4/21/84: Astros blast Braves again, 12-4

At least Craig McMurtry lasted longer than Ken Dayley. 

But it still didn't hide the fact that the Braves pitching sprung another leak leading to another early exit and another beatdown by the Houston Astros, this time by a 12-4 score in front of a "We Want Pascual" yelling crowd at Fulton County Stadium.

Braves starter Craig McMurtry pitched a scoreless 1st, then watched in disgust as 11 Astros scored 6 runs in the 2nd including 3 doubles by Phil Garner, Kevin Bass and Jose Cruz, who would also launch a 3-run homer in the 5th giving him a 3-hit, 5 RBI night. Bass also had a 3-RBI game. 

McMurtry pitched 1-2/3 innings, while Rick Mahler stopped the bleeding, only to inflict more bleeding in a 6-run Astro 5th. Steve Bedrosian did his beleaguered skipper Joe Torre a favor by finishing out the game. The Braves made things respectable with a 3-run 6th and a run in the bottom of the 9th. Mike Scott struck out 5 Braves before being relieved by Vern Ruhle, who pitched effectively enough for a "cheap" save. 

HOU 12-15-1 ATL 4-9-1 WP-Scott LP-McMurtry SV-Ruhle HR-Cruz HOU 8-7 ATL 6-8 

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