The Boston Splinters jumped out to a 4-0 lead early off Juan Marichal, but the Houston Hoots came back to tie the game late, only to fall in the 9th. Boston scored 3 runs in the 1st, taking advantage of a pair of triples off Juan Marichal, adding another run in the 3rd inning due to another triple. Houston got some back in the 5th off starter Bert Blyleven, scoring 3 runs to cut the lead to a run. Frank Thomas hit a solo home run to give some space, but Ernie Lombardi’s RBI single got the run back. Paul Waner and Rogers Hornsby led off the 8th with singles to end Blyleven’s day, and Lombardi’s groundout off reliever Dennis Eckersley tied the game. Mickey Mantle led off the 9th with a double off reliever Trevor Hoffman, and Wade Boggs followed with a pinch-hit double of his own to give Boston a 6-5 lead. Rollie Fingers pitched a scoreless 9th to pick up the save and tie the series 2-2. Carlton Fisk threw out two Houston baserunners in the game. With the win, Boston has guaranteed that they will finish the World Series at home.
