The Astros make it a 1-0 game in the 1st Doran leads off the game with a double and two batter later Bass triples scoring Doran. They would add 2 more in the 2nd as Bailey hits a 1-out homerun and Niekro hits a 2-out homerun to give the Astros a 3-0 lead.
The Reds answer back in the 4th on Esasky's 1-out solo homer and it is now 3-1 Astros. In the 5th with runners on 1st and 3rd Tibbs bounces into a 5-4-3 double play and the Astros concedes the run and Oester scores and it is now a 3-2 Astros lead.That is where the game would stay until the 8th when the Astros break this game open. They have runners on 1st and 2nd Reynolds hits a ball into hole between 1st and 2nd. Oester dives to his right comes up with and tries to throw it from his knees and it goes over Perez's head and Pankovits scores. Then with the Bases loaded Davis hits a Grand Slam off of Price and it is now a 8-2 Astros lead.
To the 9th we go and Niekro looks like he is in control. Concepcion leads off with a single. Niekro gets the next 2 batters, then Davis hits a pinch it single, Milner then comes up and singles scoring Concepcion. Redus singles scoring Davis, Parker then singles to load the bases and Niekro exits the game with the bases loaded and 2 outs. Bob Lillis brings in the closer Dave Smith. Esasky singles scoring both Milner and Redus to make it a 8-6 lead. Perez singles scoring Parker and it is now 8-7. Concepcion singles to load the bases. Oester then hits a routine grounder to Oester who lets it go between his legs scoring Esasky and Perez and that gives the Reds a 9-8 come from behind win.
After the game Lilis was asked about his closer situation and he said. "It is clear to me that Dave Smith should not be closing games right now, I am really thinking he needs some time in less tense situations."
The Final Score 9-8 Reds