The Chicago Cubs were ahead for just one at bat in their June 19th doubleheader against the Houston Astros but they made it count.
Game 1
Going into the 9th inning in Game 1, the Northsiders were down 4-0 thanks to a brilliant effort by Astros hurler Miguel Cuellar.
Miggy fell apart in the ninth inning though giving up a two-run homer to third-sacker Ron Santo followed by a three-run walk-off dinger by catcher Randy Hundley.
Cubs reliever Arnie Earley (who has impeccable taste in eyewear!) earned his second win in as many games. Cuellar got the loss while ‘Stros manager Grady Hatton wonders what got into him.
Cubs 5 Astros 4
Game 2
Houston got their revenge though. Jim Wynn drove home Sonny Jackson with a double in the fourth inning. That one run was all that Larry Dierker needed. He threw a five-hit complete game shutout.
Poor Larry Dierker. He’s got two shutouts in two straight starts and his ERA is down to a nifty 2.23 mark. In this 1966 replay at least, there are still eight qualifiers with a better ERA.
Astros 1 Cubs 0
The good news for both the Cubs and the Astros. Their respective win percentages went up. However, the Astros wasted a good chance to move up against the Cubs who honestly are playing very well. At this point (roughly, 38% of season completed), the Cubs have almost won one half of what they won in real life.
