October 6, 1980

As the Phils went home to prepare for the playoffs, their opponent was still undecided.  The Dodgers had swept the Astros to tie the National League West on the last day, necessitating a one-game playoff.  In this game Houston came out firing, chasing starter Dave Goltz after three innings and then putting the game out of reach against Rick Sutcliffe.  Joe Niekro baffled Dodger batters and pitched a complete game to clinch the division and a date with the Phillies for the playoffs.  Little did either team know that they were in store for perhaps THE classic NLCS.

Final NL East Standings

Team

Wins

Losses

Pct.

GB

Phillies*

91

71

.562

-

Expos

90

72

.556

1

Pirates

83

79

.512

8

Cardinals

74

88

.457

17

Mets

67

95

.414

24

Cubs

64

98

.395

27

* Clinched Division

Scoreboard

National League

 

HOU N   2 0 2   3 0 0   0 0 0 -   7 12 1

LA  N   0 0 0   1 0 0   0 0 0 -   1  6 2

WP: Niekro (20-12)

LP: Goltz (7-11)

HR: Art Howe (10)

 

 

American League

 

No Games Scheduled

Transactions

Phillies

None

 

National League

None

 

American League

Chicago White Sox - Released Minnie Minoso, outfielder.