Reds outlast ‘Stros to hang on and take 2 of 3

Game 1
Cincinnati's Tom Seaver goes 8 innings while allowing 8 hits for his second win of the season. Houston was trailing 3-2 in the 8th behind a solid Mike Scott start, but reliever Danny Darwin gave up pinch hitter George Foster's a 2-run double, followed by a run scoring double by Larkin. That put the game on ice for Clay Carroll to close out easily. Tom Terrific nailed a solo home run to help his own cause. Glenn Davis and Jose Cruz had the Houston ribbies. Final Score Reds 6, Astros 2.

Game 2
An Astronomical power surge was felt on the Cincinnati electrical grid when four Houston home runs shocked the city. Long balls by SS Dickie Thon,  Glenn Davis (a pinch hit grand slam), Jose Cruz and Cesar Cedeno had Houston up 8-3 after 4 innings. Mario Soto (0-1, 7.00) takes the loss, Larry Dierker (2-0, 3.60) gets the win. Bob Watson (.533 Avg.) knocked in a final run in the 8th inning to blemish Norm Charlton's relief effort. Reds catcher Ed Bailey was the only bright spot on the losing side going 2-2 with a run and a RBI. Final Astros 9, Reds 3.

Game 3
Gary Nolan of Cincinnati faced of with Nolan Ryan of Houston for a game played as if it were the 7th game of a playoff series. Astros Manager Mike Johnson was proud and yet disappointed, losing 3-2 to Steve Tate of Cincinnati on a walk off RBI by Reds first basemen Ted Kluszewski. An a error by relief pitcher Ken Forsch allowed the speedy Vada Pinson on to lead off the 9th inning who later scored on Big Klu's big hit.
"We played so well, we really deserved that victory," said Johnson. "Tate and his boys will win most of their 3-game series' with the talent they have over there, but we sure had 'em on the ropes in this one."
Vada Pinson joined his teammates in stealing a combined 7 bases off the Astros catcher Cliff Johnson. Johnson (2-20 on the season, .100 AVG.)  isn't hitting or fielding his position very well and Johnson has named Craig Biggio the starting backstop for the remainder of the season. The Reds Nolan, John Franco and Rob Dibble didn't allow an earned run all game, while Ryan, Joe Sambito and Forsch nearly matched them, allowing only 1. Nolan and Ryan both struck out 6 batters. Final Reds 3, Astros 2.

--submitted by Mike Johnson--