Houston Hoots starter Phil Niekro allowed 7 hits in the first two innings before settling down, but that was all the St. Louis Wizards needed. Niekro allowed a 2-run homer in the 2nd to Orlando Cepeda, his 2nd of the season. Three batters later, Ted Simmons added a 2-run double. Those 4 runs held up with Wizards ace Steve Carlton on the mound. Carlton allowed a run in the 1st and a solo homer to Gary Carter in the 8th, but just 5 hits total, while striking out 9 to pick up his 4th win. The Wizards improved to 18-4, while Houston fell to 8-14. Bruce Sutter pitched a perfect 9th for his league-leading 7th save.