ASTROS SMACK BRAVES

The Houston Astros rolled into Atlanta atop the National League West and promptly took two of the three games against the Atlanta Braves.

GAME 1:  ASTROS 6  BRAVES 0
                 WP: FORSCH (4-1)
                 LP:  McWilliams (0-3)

Ken Forsch pitched a 5 hit, nine inning complete game in earning his fourth win of the year as the Astros blanked the road weary Braves 6-0. Enos
Cabell led the Astros attack with 2 hits, including his first home run and 2 RBI.                                                                                        

The Braves, who never threatened, were led by Chris Chambliss' 2 hits.



GAME 2:  ASTROS 6  BRAVES 1
                 WP: RICHARDS (4-1)
                 LP:  MATULA (4-2)

The strong Houston pitching continued in game two as J.R. Richards pitched a complete game allowing one run on seven hits while striking out 11 Braves.

The Houston offense which scored 3 runs in the 3rd and 3 more in the 6th was led by Terry Puhl with 2 hits and 3 RBI and Craig
Reynolds with 3 hits and 2 RBI. Both Puhl (1) and Reynolds (2) tagged Braves starter, Rick Matula for home runs. J.R Richards (1) also homered for the Astros.

The Braves lone run scored on a Brian Asselstine sac fly in the 5th inning.


GAME 3:  BRAVES 7  ASTROS 1
                 WP: P. NIEKRO (5-1)
                 LP:  J. NIEKRO (2-4)

Game three featured the battle of the Niekros. The Atlanta bats came alive as they scored 7 runs on 12 hits in making a winner of brother Phil.  In earning
his 5th victory of the year, Phil limited the Astros to 1 run on 6 hits  while
striking out 8. 

The Braves offense was led by Jeff Burroughs and Bruce
Benedict with 3 hits apiece. Burroughs also hit his 4th home run of the year and added 3 RBI.