Galveston Daily News - July 29, 1980

Astros win 3-2 on Cesar’s blast

PHILADELPHIA (UPI) - Cesar Cedeno tripled home Jose Cruz with two out in the 10th inning Monday night to lift the Houston Astros to a 3- Conner adds 2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies. 

Cruz drew a two-out walk off loser Ron Reed, 6-4, and Cedeno followed with a triple down the right field line. Joe Sambito, who relieved Gordy Pladson in the ninth, gained his sixth victory in seven decisions.

The Astros knocked out starter Nino Espinosa and tied the score 2-2 with a seventh-inning run. Alan Ashby walked, took third on a single by Dave Bergman and scored on a single by pinch hitter Art Howe off reliever Tug McGraw. 

Houston took a 1-0 lead in the third when Craig Reynolds tripled and scored on a single by Cruz. Philadelphia tied the score in the fourth when Pete Rose walked, took third on a double by Bake McBride and scored on a groundout by Garry Maddox. 

The Phillies grabbed a 2-1 lead In the fifth when Larry Bowa singled, stole second, took third on a flyout and stole home during a rundown when Espinosa missed an attempted squeeze bunt.

Monday night's Houston victory opened a three-game stand with the Phillies that runs through Wednesday. The Astros have open travel date Thursday and then move into New York for a three-game series with the Mets, before returning to Houston Aug. 4 for a seven-game stand, three with the San Francisco Giants and four with San Diego. 

Houston's victory over the Phillies was the third in their current road stand. The Astros copped two of the three games with Montreal. It was also Houston's second extra inning game of the current road stand.