Game 1 in Detroit
Frank Tanana (19-6, 2.85) v Mark Fidrych (25-8, 2.63)
A fantastic start to this contest with two of the hottest pitchers in the league to kick things off.
And it is the visitors who draw first blood, taking an early 3-0 lead and just holding on for a one-run victory. Bird goes the distance for the W, while Otto Velez hits the first home run of the series.
Game 2 in Detroit
Len Barker (12-13, 3.70) v JR Richard (12-17, 3.05)
Astros lead series 1-0
The Astros send another of the good ones to the mound here to try take a commanding 2-0 lead back to Texas, but Len Barker will be no easybeat in what should be another low-scoring affair.
And that’s precisely what they do as Richard gives them 7+ scoreless and the bullpen finishes off the job for a shutout win.
The Tigers bats just haven’t looked interested yet and they’ll need to turn things around if Detroit is to get back into this series.
Game 3 in Houston
Ken Kravec (14-13, 4.03) v Gary Nolan (10-9, 5.59)
Astros lead series 2-0
Game 3 pits two guys that, on their day, can be virtually unhittable but who struggle to have “their day” with the consistency they’d like. I’m expecting plenty of runs here.
In fact it is the opposite sort of game as the pitching dominance continues and the Tigers finally get a win, albeit a tight comeback one. Kravec goes the distance and acquits himself well but gets little support from his bats as Nolan keeps them quiet.
Game 4 in Houston
Joe Niekro (15-10, 3.58) v Larry Gura (16-5, 4.11)
Astros lead series 2-1
Nice to see Joe Niekro, who has been an Astro since inception get a WS start at age-32 and trying to emulate his brother’s success of a year ago. He’ll face southpaw Larry Gura in a game where the defences will need to be on their toes.
They aren’t, with 3 errors apiece, as the Astros break the sequence of away wins in yet another tight tussle. Niekro goes 8 for the win, Gura 7 for the loss, as 2B Mike Champion and C Bob Stinson each has 2 ribbies for the victors.
Game 5 in Houston
Mark Fidrych (1-0, 2.76) v Frank Tanana (0-2, 4.72)
Astros lead series 3-1
Houston with the chance to clinch at home as we go back to the top of the rotations. Detroit simply has to get something going on offence or they are toast. Easier said than done against “The Bird”.
They don’t get many, but they get enough to stay alive as neither pitcher gives up an earned run in another premium pitching display. Three more errors by the Astros defence are the killer here, allowing the Tigers to score two early and go on from there to send this series back to Motown once again very much in the balance.
Game 6 in Detroit
Scipio Spinks (7-4, 4.40) v JR Richard (2-0, 2.40)
Astros lead series 3-2
A finger injury to Len Barker means it is up to the hard-throwing but erratic Scipio Spinks to extend this series for the Tigers. Richard was dominant in Game 2 and the ‘Stros would love another on along those lines here.
He gives them one to deliver the Astros their maiden title, making them the first expansion club to do so. Stan Musial, who never got a Championship ring as a player, gets one here as Houston Manager.
No surprises, JR Richard wins the MVP.
