Braves take 2 of 3 from Jints

Game 1 - Braves 6 Giants 2

On paper a great pitching match up. Warren Spahn gave up a lead-off homer to Bobby Bonds and another home run to Willie Mays in the 7th but that is all the damage the Giants could do. Spahn pitched a 3 hit complete game to make up for his last start. Marichal was victimized by a 2 run homer from Jeff Blauser in the 3rd and 2 run double by Bill Bruton in the 4th. Marichal, who looked sharp at times, couldn't make it past the 4th.

Game 2 - Giants 3 Braves 2 (12 Innings)

The Braves raced out to 2-0 lead after 6 and John Smoltz was cruising. But the Giants rally late scoring single runs in the 8th and 9th to send the game to extra innings. Pitchers will still dominating the 'free baseball' until the bottom of the 12th. With Tom Haller on 1st with a 2 out single, up stepped pinch hitter Dick Dietz. Dietz blasted a deep drive into the corner allowing Haller to score the winning run. A breathless Haller leaped into Dietz's arms after the play where they both promptly collapsed. A close tight game all the way.

Game 3 - Braves 4 Giants 1

Another pitchers duel as Lew Burdette faced Johnny Antonelli. It was tied at 1 going into the top of the 6th. Then Felipe Alou took matters into his own hands. He blasted a 2-run home run of Antonelli in the 6th and then added a solo shot of Scott Garrelts in the 8th to give the Braves the series. Burdette gave up one run over 8 before yielding to Gene Garber who picked up his first save.

--submitted by Ron Burnette--