September 25:

Cincinnati (87-66) at Houston (62-91)
The Astrodome

Two days off does nothing to warm up Houston's bats. Of course, Cincinnati righthander Jim Maloney has something to do with that. He allows just two hits in a 1-0 shutout. A Lee Maye double and a John Bateman single, along with three walks are all that mar his performance in winning his 20th game of the year. Robin Roberts blanks the Reds through five innings but has to leave with a tender elbow. In the sixth, Pete Rose singles off Dave Giusti and scores on a triple by Vada Pinson for the game's only run. The Giants and Dodgers also win so the Reds remain three games off the lead.