The Royals look to bounce back after getting drubbed in Game 3 send Dennis Leonard (20-11 3.79 Grade 11YZ) to the mound opposite Vern Ruhle (12-4 2.37 Grade 14Z).
The Astros continue to hit the ball hard jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first as Jose Cruz and Denny Walling drive in runs. In the 3rd they would add another run to that lead as Walling again would single in a run. The Royals would finally wake up in the 3rd as Hal McRae double followed by a long homer by George Brett would make the score 3-2. The Astros bats will not be stopped though as they would those 2 runs right back Enos Cabell and Joe Morgan would have huge 2 out RBI.
With the score 5-2 Ruhle would take care of the rest. He only allows 7 hits in a complete game effort and only 1 extra base hit (Brett homer). The Astros take a commanding 3-1 lead in the series with the 5-2 victory.
Final Score: Astros 5, Royals 2
WP: Vern Ruhle (1-0)
LP: Dennis Leonard (1-2)
HR’s: Royals – George Brett (2)