Round 3–’64 Dodgers sneak by ‘77 Astros in 4

--submitted by Peter Daly--   Click here to view Series Box Scores

It took everything they had in 4 games but the 1964 Los Angeles Dodgers have made their way to the Elite 8 after a back and forth 4 game battle with the 1977 Houston Astros. Don Drsydale continued his dominance in the series with wins in games 1 and 4. Surprisingly, one of the stars of the entire tournament, Sandy Koufax, did not record a victory in his lone start in game 3.

GAME 1 : ’64 LA wins 3-1 WP: Don Drysdale (3-0) LP : JR Richard (0-3)

Don Drysdale notched his 3rd victory in as many starts in the tournament. Don was in charge throughout allowing just 3 hits and a walk while fanning 3 in his complete game. He actually raised his tourney ERA to 0.69 by giving up a run in the 9th. The Dodgers scored a run early in the 3rd but it was the all important insurance runs in the top of the 9th that proved to be the game winners. Tommy Davis’ 2nd homer of the tourney, a 2 run blast off Joe Sambito, in the top of the 9th gave Drysdale the cushion that he needed. Derrell Griffith (4 for5), alongside Davis, was the offensive star behind Drysdale. Richard was the tough luck loser for the 3rd time in as many series. Despite a miniscule 1.89 ERA, the hard throwing righty has yet to lead his Astros to victory.

GAME 2 : ’64 LA wins 9-6 WP : John Purdin (2-0) LP : Joe Neikro (1-1)

The bats were alive inside the Astrodome for both squads in Game 2. The two teams combined for 29 hits including an amazing 18 by the visiting Dodgers. The Dodgers had multi hits games by 7 of their 8 starting position players. Maury Wills set the tone as usual with 3 hits, a steal and 4 runs scored from atop the Dodger lineup. John Purdin did not have his “A” stuff but was able to battle through 5 innings allowing 2 runs, 1 earned. The Astros will probably look at this game as the one that got away when replaying the series in their heads. They had the lead early and seemed to have Purdins’ number but were just unable to fully capitalize. The Dodgers were able to seize control by pushing across 4 in the 6th inning to take an 8-2 lead. Houston was able to cut it to 8-6 with 4runs of their own in the 7th, but could not get any closer. Howie Reed shut the door with 2 scoreless innings to push Houston’s backs to the wall.

GAME 3 : ’77 Houston wins 2-1 WP : Joaquin Andujar (2-0) LP : Sandy Koufax (2-2)

Joaquin Andujar outdueled the Lefty. He went 7 innings allowing 1 run over his 7 innings. Koufax was no slouch with a complete game allowing 6 hits and fanning 8 in a losing effort. Houston scored 2 runs in the 2nd inning on a big 2 run double by Jose Cruz. The Astros then hung on tight while the Dodgers put runners on in almost every inning. The Dodgers were able to push a run across in the 6th and has the tying run in scoring postion but Andujar retired Frank Howard on an infield liner. Then in the 9th the game ended on an attempted suicide squeeze by Maury Wills. Houston pitcher, Ken Forsch calmy fielded the bunt from one of the best bunters in the game and threw to 1st for the 3rd out of the inning while Willie Crawford was breaking for the plate with the tying run.

GAME 4 : ’64 LA wins 2-1 WP : Don Drysdale (4-0) LP : JR Richard (0-4)

In a rematch of game 1 starters, it was once again the Dodgers big righty that came out on top. Drysdale again tried to climb out of the rather large shadow cast by teammate Sandy Koufax and prove to all that he is a big game pitcher. Drysdale showed no signs of fatigue coming back on 3 days rest. He threw 7 shutout innings, allowing 6 hits while striking out 5. Richard came up just short once again of matching the Dodger ace before being lifted for a pinch hitter after 6 innings. The offense of the Dodgers was once again sparked by Maury Wills. Wills led the game off with a bunt single and came around 1 batter later on a double by Derrell Griffith. Griffith scored a few batters later on a single by catcher Johnny Roseboro, Those 2 runs would have to stand as the Dodgers bats would be quiet the rest of the way. Drysdale gave way to a suddenly shaky Dodger bullpen who struggled to hold the lead for the righty. Jim Brewer could not make it out of the 8th after retiring 2 outs. Ron Perranoski was able to record the final out of the 8th with the Dodgers still clinging to a 1 run lead. However, in the 9th it was Perranoski who could not get the final out. With 2 outs and a runner on, Perranoski proceeded to throw 8 straight balls to load the bases. Art Howe came to the plate but he would not face Perranoski who had been looking to record his 4th save of the tournament. Instead, it was right hander Bob Miller making his way in from the Dodger bullpen. The move paid off as Howe was retired on a week grounder back to Miller to end the game.

THE DODGERS WILL NOW LOOK TO HOST THE 1975 SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS IN ROUND 3. CAN THEY CONTINUE TO RIDE THE ARMS OF KOUFAX AND DRYSDALE? CAN THEY CONTINUE TO PLAY SMALL BALL AND MANUFACTURE JUST ENOUGH RUNS? THOSE QUESTIONS WILL BE ANSWERED SOON ENOUGH…..