1977 World Series Game 4
Saturday October 15th, 1977 @ Dodger Stadium Los Angeles, CA
The Yankees took game three in convincing fashion to regain home field advantage in this best of seven series. Looking to press their advantage, they will turn to an emerging star, Ron Guidry (16 - 7 2.82 ERA 210 IP). The Louisiana-born lefty broke out in a big way during his first full major league season, helping to solidify the rotation along with right-hander Mike Torrez. The 26 year old was fantastic down the stretch, going 11 - 3 over his final 16 starts with a 2.47 ERA. On the offensive side, all eyes are on Reggie Jackson, who has yet to play like “Mr. October”. The former MVP has been a non-factor in the playoffs so far, putting up a meager .160/.300/.160 slash line (4 - 25 2 RBI in 8 games). Billy Martin and the Yankees are hoping that Reggie can turn it around in rapid fashion, like he did for the A’s in 1973.
For Tommy Lasorda and the Dodgers, this afternoon’s game is a must win. You do not want to go on the verge of elimination if you can avoid it. The LA bats have provided some thump (5 HRs in the last two games), but they’ve mostly been unable to touch the Yankees starters outside of Catfish Hunter. On the mound will be a lefty of their own, Doug Rau (14 - 8 3.43 ERA 212 IP). Rau won 11 of his first 12 decisions, but then lost 7 of his final 10, though his record belies the underlying numbers. He actually pitched to a 2.81 ERA in the losing stretch, compared to a 3.86 ERA in the winning one. Such can be the life of a pitcher. If Rau struggles, expect Lasorda to turn to his other starter, Rick Rhoden (16 - 10 3.74 ERA 216 IP) in relief.
Audio clips from joeydbball on Youtube - ABC broadcast with Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell, and Tom Seaver
As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, boxscores, background information, and much, much more.
Catch you next time,
P.C.O.
