On paper this didn't look like much of a match-up, considering Joe Niekro was vastly superior to Jeff Robinson. But in the bottom of the first inning Jack Clark cranked a solo home run to give the Giants the first run of the game.
By the bottom of the fifth that was still the only hit Niekro had surrendered. But Scot Thompson, newly back from the disabled list, ripped a double to center. He moved to third on a Joel Youngblood ground out. With two outs beanpole Johnnie LeMaster poked a single over the infield to give the Giants their second run of the game. Those would be the only three hits Niekro allowed in his six innings of work.
Robinson, meanwhile, scattered five hits and three walks across seven innings. In the top of the ninth Bill Lacey was charged with preserving the win. The Astros did plate one run but got Harry Spilman to bounce out to short to claim victory.
Winning Pitcher - Jeff Robinson
Losing Pitcher - Joe Niekro
Save - Bill Lacey
Player of the Game - Robinson, 7IP, 0Rs, 5Hs, 4Ks
In the bottom of the first Lonnie Smith led off for the Cards, and promptly deposited a ball into the outfield stands to make it 1-0. It was tied back up in the bottom of the second but Tom Nieto knocked home Ozzie Smith to give the Cardinals the lead again.
Their big inning came in the fourth. Steve Trout got tagged for three more runs, including a two-run blast from George Hendrick. The Cubs tried to fight back in fifth, that's when Ryne Sandberg answered with his own homer. But it wouldn't be enough as the first place Cardinals beat the last place Cubs.
Winning Pitcher - Bob Forsch
Losing Pitcher - Steve Trout
Save - Bruce Sutter
Player of the Game - George Hendrick, 3-5, HR, 2 2Bs, 2RBI
Hall of Famers in the Game - Ryne Sandberg, Ozzie Smith, Bruce Sutter
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