This Day In Astros History: Aug. 22, 1985

On this day, 26 years ago, the Astros lost a close 2-1 game in the ninth inning to the St. Louis Cardinals at the Astrodome.

This pitcher's duel was between Joe Niekro and John Tudor. Niekro threw eight solid innings for Houston, striking out seven and walking one while giving up four hits and one run (none earned). Tudor matched him, giving up six hits, one run (no earned), three walks and six strikeouts in seven innings. 

Dave Smith pitched the first part of the ninth, striking out the only batter he faced (Jack Clark). Jeff Calhoun gave up the game, allowing two hits and one run without recording an out. Bill Dawley closed things out, but the damage was already done.

None of the Astros had an RBI, while Phil Garner was the only one to score a run. Scrap Iron went 2 for 5 while Craig Reynolds hit a double as a pinch hitter in his only plate appearance. Jose Cruz was 2 for 4 and Bill Doran went 1 for 5 with a stolen base. Dickie Thon also added a stolen base, even though he went 0 for 2 with two walks.

Here's a graphic replay of the game, thanks to Back to Baseball.