In the 163rd game of the season Joe Niekro defeats the Dodgers, 7-1, in the winner-take-all contest for the NL West

On October 6, 1980 — In the 163rd game of the season, 35 year-old knuckleballer Joe Niekro earns his 20th victory on a 6 hitter, going the distance to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers, 7-1, in the winner-take-all contest for the NL West. With the win. Art Howe is the offensive star with four RBIs on a two-run homer and a two-run single . Craig Reynolds adds three hits. Alan Ashby is kneed by Dodger catcher Joe Ferguson after a violent collision in the fourth. Ashby’s rib is broken and he’ll miss most of the N.L.C.S.

The Houston Astros hold on to capture their first title in the 19-year history of the franchise after losing a season-ending three game series to LA, (3-2, 2-1, and 4-3) that forced the one-game playoff.

 
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