After three thrilling games to start this series, including two extra-inning wins for the Astros, Houston is just one win away from their first World Series appearance. Despite the lead in the series, the Astros lost their star center fielder Cesar Cedeno to a broken ankle in game 3. They will once again be facing ace lefty Steve Carlton for Philly. Houston counters with Vern Ruhle (12 - 4 2.37 ERA in 159 IP). Phillies manager Dallas Green also shakes things up, starting Lonnie Smith over Greg Luzinski in left. It's do or die for the Phillies. Can they force a winner-take-all game 5, or will Houston win their first pennant?
Audio clips from Youtube.
As always, shoutout to Baseball Reference for statistics, boxscore, background information and much, much more.
Catch you next time,
P.C.O.
