Dodgers and Cubs Split Behind Solid Pitching

The Cubs and Dodgers, both vying to move up in the NL West, split a four-game series, marked by strong starting pitching in each game. The Cubs are now in third place at 55-48, while the Dodges also hold a winning record at 52-50.

Game 1: Cubs 4, Dodgers 1
W: Hands (7-10)
L: Singer (7-12)

Bill Hands tosses a six-hitter, with LA scoring its lone run in the ninth. Red-hot Billy Williams smacks a three-run shot off Bill Singer in the third to deflate the Dodgers.

Game 2: Dodgers 7, Cubs 0
W: Osteen (6-13)
L: Jenkins (14-7)

It's Claude Osteen's turn to shine, as he spins a complete game shutout. Cubs ace Fergie Jenkins is shelled for six runs in seven innings, allowing two homers from Jim Lefebvre (6, 7) and a two-run blast from Willie Davis (8).

Game 3: Cubs 5, Dodgers 2
W: J. Niekro (8-6)
L: Drysdale (13-7)

Young knuckleballer Joe Niekro outduels Dodgers ace Don Drysdale, striking out nine in eight innings of work. Billy Williams stretches his hit streak to 13 games (a streak that would end the next game), going four-for-four with four RBIs and smashing his 22nd homer. Jim Lefebvre hits another for LA in a losing effort.

Billy Williams has eight homers and a .307 average in July.

Game 4: Dodgers 6, Cubs 2
W: Sutton (7-4)
L: Holtzman (10-7)

21-year-old Don Sutton looks like a future ace. It's his turn to go nine, striking out six and only allowing seven hits. Ted Savage knocks in four, including a three-run homer (3). Willie Davis plunders his 31st base, and first-sacker Ron Fairly goes four-for-five off a frustrating day for the Cubs Ken Holtzman.