Before the season began, it would have been an epic matchup on paper: Tom Seaver’s Houston Hoots facing off against Dwight Gooden’s Chicago Docs. But Doc Gooden has struggled with consistency heading toward the All-Star break. Gooden entered today’s game 0-4 with an ERA over 5.00. Seaver was 3-1 with one of the best ERAs in the Maelstrom. Seaver allowed solo homers to Jeff Kent and Jim Edmonds but not much else. Doc Gooden was better. Pop Lloyd’s RBI single in the 3rd was one of just 3 hits allowed by Gooden. Meanwhile, he struck out a season-best 12. It was his 3rd straight 10+ strikeout start. The win ties both teams for the National League basement with 9-16 records, but it gives the Docs hope for a stronger 2nd half.