1981 Houston Astros season

20th season in Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros March 2026 November 2013 Houston Astros 1981 National League West co-championsDivision title winners for the second half of the season. lower-alpha "Division title" National League West Astrodome Houston, Texas 1st half: 28 29 y 2nd half: 33 20 y Overall: 61 49 y 1st half: 3rd (8 GB) 2nd half: 1st John McMullen Al Rosen Bill Virdon KRIV–TV 26(Gene Elston, Dewayne Staats, Larry Dierker) KENR–AM 1070(Gene Elston, Dewayne Staats, Larry Dierker) The 1981 Houston Astros season was the 20th season for the Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise located in Houston, Texas, their 17th as the Astros, 20th in the National League (NL), 13th in the NL West division, and 17th at The Astrodome. The Astros entered the season as defending NL West division-champions with a 93–70 record for their first-ever division title and playoff appearance, ultimately losing to the Philadelphia Phillies in the 1980 National League Championship Series (NLCS). On April 9 at Dodger Stadium, Joe Niekro made his first Opening Day start on the road for Houston, who were defeated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, 2–0. The Astros attained a record of 28–29, in third place and 8 games behind Los Angeles in the NL West until a players' strike interrupted the season, later classified as the season's first half. In the amateur draft, Houston's top selection was outfielder Curtis Burke in the third round. With nearly one-third of the season eventually lost (52 games for Houston), a one-time modified format with a split regular season and a new opening round to the playoffs, the Division Series (DS), was introduced.The DS initially was intended as an additional round only for the 1981 playoffs, to be discontinued the following year and revert to the previous four-team format that was implemented in 1969. The four-team tournament remained in place until 1995; as part of divisional realignment, MLB permanently re-introduced the DS, with different criteria for qualifying. "Note" Pitchers Bob Knepper (first career selection) and Nolan Ryan (sixth) represented the Astros at the MLB All-Star Game. The Astros acquired second baseman Phil Garner, another All-Star that year, after the event. On September 26, Ryan pitched the seventh no-hitter in franchise history, a 5–0 victory over the Dodgers. The fifth no-hitter of Ryan's career, this surpassed Sandy Koufax for most in major league history. Houston won the NL West in the second half with a loss by the Cincinnati Reds on October 3, the penultimate day of the season.https://thesportsnotebook.com/1981-houston-astros-sports-history-articles/ The story of the 1981 Houston Astros October 18, 2014 With a 33–20 record, the Astros claimed an NL West division title and advanced to the playoffs for the second consecutive season, to the first-ever National League Division Series (NLDS). Here, they faced the Dodgers, the NL West-division winners of the first half of the season. However, the Astros were defeated in five games, ending their season, and the Dodgers became World Series champions. Ryan led the major leagues in earned run average (1.69 ERA), the first time in his career winning the title. Following the season, Knepper was named The Sporting News NL Comeback Player of the Year, the first Houston Astros to win this award. Offseason Summary The Houston Astros concluded the 1980 campaign with a record of 93 70 y for the best regular-season record in the National League (NL), and a one-game lead over the runners-up Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL West to become division champions. Hence, the Astros qualified to play in the National League Championship Series (NLCS); however, they lost in five games to the Philadelphia Phillies, the eventual World Series champions.https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1980.shtml 1980 National League team statistics Baseball-Reference.com April 12, 2026 On July 4, 1980, Nolan Ryan became the fourth major league pitcher to amass 3,000 strikeouts.https://www.retrosheet.org/miles-k.htm Pitcher strikeouts Retrosheet April 12, 2026 Having won 21 games in 1979 and 20 games in 1980, Joe Niekro became the first Astros hurler to win 20 games more than once.Hulsey Bob https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/20win.html#:~:text=Listed%20below%20are%20the%20moundsmen,21)%2C%201980%20(20) Houston Astros 20-game winners Astros Daily November 29, 2019 April 12, 2026 Transactions October 26, 1980: Hired Al Rosen as team president and general manager.1981 Houston Astros schedule https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1981-schedule-scores.shtml Baseball-Reference.com May 4, 2025 December 4, 1980: Don Sutton was signed as a free agent by the Astros.https://www.baseball-reference.com/s/suttodo01.shtml Don Sutton stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 17, 2025 December 8, 1980: Chris Bourjos was traded by the San Francisco Giants with Bob Knepper to the Houston Astros for Enos Cabell.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/b/bourjch01.shtml Chris Bourjos stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 14, 2025 March 27, 1981: Julio González was released by the Astros.https://www.baseball-reference.com/g/gonzaju02.shtml Julio González stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 17, 2025 Regular season Summary April + Opening Day starting lineup Uniform Uniform number Player Position 21 Terry Puhl Right fielder 12 Craig Reynolds Shortstop 28 César Cedeño Center fielder 25 José Cruz Left fielder 18 Art Howe Third baseman 8 Dave Roberts First baseman 10 Dickie Thon Second baseman 6 Luis Pujols Catcher 36 Joe Niekro Pitcher Venue: Dodger Stadium • Final: Los Angeles 2, Houston 0 Sources:https://www.baseball-almanac.com/box-scores/boxscore.php?boxid=198104090LAN Houston Astros (0) vs Los Angeles Dodgers (2) box score Baseball Almanac April 9, 1981 September 29, 2025https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/1981-uniform-numbers.shtml 1981 Houston Astros uniform numbers Baseball-Reference.com September 29, 2025 The Astros played Opening Day at Dodger Stadium on April 9, where they were shut out by Los Angeles, 2–0. Both starting pitchers made their first Opening Day starts, with 36-year-old Astros veteran Joe Niekro—who, by winning the 1980 National League West tie-breaker game over the Dodgers, cemented his status as the Astros' first-ever two-time 20-game winner—faced off against 20-year-old southpaw phenom Fernando Valenzuela. The Astros became befuddled by Valenzuela's unusual delivery and screwball—an offering not shown with regularity since Carl Hubbell in the 1930s and 1940s—as Valenzuela went the distance on a five-hitter. Hence, Valenzuela's sensational performance resulted in the birth of "Fernandomania." Only Craig Reynolds (two hits) and Art Howe (one hit and one base on balls) reached base more than once.Scheller Jason https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/april-9-1981-the-birth-of-fernandomania-on-opening-day-at-dodger-stadium/ The birth of Fernandomania on Opening Day at Dodger Stadium Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) April 9, 1981 January 23, 2026 César Cedeño became the first player to make as many as 10 Opening Day starts for the Astros.Remained as the record until José Cruz started his 11th Opening Day in 1987. "Note"https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/opening.shtml Houston Astros Opening Day starters Baseball-Reference.com January 25, 2026 The Astros opened the 1981 campaign losing 12 of their first 15 contests. Right-hander Don Sutton, a key free agent acquisition in the prior off-season, made his Astros debut on April 11 against his former team, the Dodgers. He surrendered six in runs in a 7–4 loss.Hulsey Bob https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/thisdate/index.html This date in Astros history Astros Daily September 7, 2025 On April 28, Sutton earned his first victory in an Astros uniform, after having lost each of his first three starts—two of which were to the Dodgers. This time, he pitched into the ninth inning versus the Atlanta Braves,https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/gl.fcgi?id=suttodo01&t=p&year=1981 Don Sutton 1981 pitching game logs Baseball-Reference.com February 7, 2026 allowing just two hits and one run in a masterful performance and 2–1 victory, struck out eight and earned a game score of 82. The only blemish was a fifth inning home run by Bob Horner. José Cruz doubled and homered, scoring both of Houston's tallies, while Art Howe sliced three hits. Dave Smith spun a clean ninth to earn his first save.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/ATL/ATL198104280.shtml Houston Astros (2) vs Atlanta Braves (1) box score Baseball-Reference.com April 28, 1981 February 7, 2026 May From May 1 to 24, Art Howe achieved a hitting streak of 23 games, setting a team record that stood for 19 years. During the hitting streak, Howe batted .460, collecting 40 base hits in just 87 at bats. It eclipsed César Cedeño's 22-game effort from August 25 to September 21, 1977, for the club record.Smith David https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/hitstreak.html Houston Astros hitting streaks Astros Daily Retrosheet October 3, 2025 Luis Gonzalez tied Howe's club record from May 26 to June 20, 1997, which stood until July 9 to August 28, 2000, when Tony Eusebio connected in 24 straight.Clack https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2012/5/8/3002499/astros-history-a-30-game-hitting-streak-in-2006 Astros History: A 30 Game Hitting Streak in 2006 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation May 8, 2012 August 26, 2025 On May 4, José Cruz homered in the same game as—and against—his brother, Héctor,https://www.baseball-almanac.com/players/home_run.php?p=cruzjo01 José Cruz home runs Baseball Almanac March 14, 2026 who was playing for the Chicago Cubs. José and Héctor Cruz were the first brother combo to homer in the same contest since Graig and Jim Nettles on September 14, 1974.https://retrosheet.org/Research/VincentD/Brothers%20HR%20in%20Same%20Game.pdf Brothers homering in the same game Retrosheet March 14, 2026 José lifted off in the first inning, a three-run bomb for a lead that Houston would not relinquish. Héctor went deep off Astros starter Joaquín Andújar during the bottom of the sixth; however, Cruz' shot was the lone run that Andújar (1–1) surrendered to obtain the victory.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN198105040.shtml Houston Astros (5) vs Chicago Cubs (4) box score Baseball-Reference.com May 4, 1981 March 14, 2026 Craig Reynolds golfed three triples on May 16 to become just the tenth major leaguer and seventh in the National League since 1950 to do so.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_trip1.shtml MLB triples records Baseball Almanac February 6, 2026 On the day, Reynolds accumulated four hits and four RBI to lead a 6–1 decision over the Chicago Cubs. Nolan Ryan (3–1) diffused six hits, three walks, with the run being unearned over seven frames, tallying eight punchouts to pick up the victory. Ryan also singled and scored a run.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198105160.shtml Chicago Cubs (1) vs Houston Astros (6) box score Baseball-Reference.com May 16, 1981 February 6, 2026 On May 24, Art Howe tripled off Vida Blue to extend his hitting streak to 23 games, to set the then-franchise record. However, the San Francisco Giants triumphed over Houston by a narrow margin, 2 to 1. Luis Pujols hit a solo home run to account for Houston's only run.Schwartzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/5/24/24436450/today-in-astros-history Today in Astros history - May 24 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation May 24, 2025 August 8, 2025 Howe was recognized with the NL Player of the Month honors for May, succeeding (and again matching) Cedeño as the most recent Astro in September, 1977.https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-players-of-the-month.shtml MLB Players of the Month Awards Baseball-Reference.com September 29, 2025 During the month, Howe batted .432 /.500 on-base percentage (OBP) /.579 slugging percentage (SLG) / 1.079 on-base plus slugging (OPS). He accumulated 41 hits, 13 walks, 11 RBI, 7 doubles, two triples, and one home run.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.fcgi?id=howear01&year=1981&t=b Art Howe 1981 batting splits Baseball-Reference.com March 1, 2026 June With a second base on balls issued on June 5, Nolan Ryan passed Early Wynn for all-time most walks issued in major league history with 1,776. In this game, Ryan also struck out 10 and tossed a 3–0 shutout of the New York Mets.Schwartzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/6/8/24445361/today-in-astros-history Today in Astros history - June 5 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation June 5, 2025 July 8, 2025 The Philadelphia Phillies hosted the Astros at Veterans Stadium on June 10, opponents during the previous year's National League Championship Series, featuring a marquee matchup between Nolan Ryan and Steve Carlton. Moreover, Pete Rose stood just two hits away from surpassing St. Louis Cardinals legend Stan Musial for the National League record in hits (3,630). During his first at bat, Rose singled off Ryan to tie Musial for the National League record. This remained the only hit that Ryan surrendered during the first 7 2 3 innings, and Rose's only hit the contest. Moreover, Ryan proceeded to strike Rose out in each of his final three at bats, just the ninth, 10th, and 11th times of the season for Rose. In the top of the seventh, José Cruz homered off Carlton, while Tony Scott followed with a two-run double. In the bottom of the eighth, pinch hitter Luis Aguayo singled up the middle off Ryan, after which, the power pitcher departed.Ginader Steve https://sabr.org/gamesproj/game/june-10-1981-nolan-ryan-gets-best-of-pete-rose-but-phillies-win-marquee-matchup/ Nolan Ryan gets best of Pete Rose, but Phillies win marquee matchup Society for American Baseball Research (SABR) June 10, 1981 March 8, 2026 Houston then blew a four-run lead and lost, 5–4, one day prior to the onset of the players' strike. During the strike, Rose remained tied with Musial for fourth-place all-time in hits.Schwartzberg Seth https://www.crawfishboxes.com/2025/6/10/24446609/today-in-astros-history Today in Astros history - June 10 The Crawfish Boxes SB Nation June 10, 2025 July 2, 2025 MLB All-Star Game Two members of the Astros' starting rotation were selected to the MLB All-Star Game, held on August 9.https://www.baseball-reference.com/allstar/1981-allstar-game.shtml 1981 All-Star Game box score Baseball-Reference.com August 9, 1981 April 19, 2026 Nolan Ryan received his first selection as an Astro, sixth overall, and first since 1979 as a member of the California Angels.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/r/ryanno01.shtml Nolan Ryan stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 14, 2025 Knepper made the Midsummer Classic for the first time in his career.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/k/kneppbo01.shtml Bob Knepper stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com April 12, 2026 August The Astros commenced the second half of the season on August 10, defeating the San Francisco Giants, 6 to 5. Denny Walling's pinch-hit, tie-breaking, two-run double in the top of the ninth keyed Houston's last rally.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN198108100.shtml Houston Astros (6) vs San Francisco Giants (5) box score Baseball-Reference.com August 10, 1981 March 9, 2026 In the bottom of the ninth with two outs, Joe Pittman bailed out Frank LaCorte when he lunged for, and snared, Larry Herndon's liner with two runners aboard to decide the game. September During a contest at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium on September 8, César Cedeño leapt into the stands to confront a heckler, grabbing the fan by the shoulders. Cedeño was ejected and fined $5,000. Initially given an indefinite suspension as well by NL president Chub Feeney, the suspension was rescinded after Cedeño called the fan and issued a written apology.Taylor Gary https://www.upi.com/Archives/1981/09/11/Houston-Astros-first-baseman-Cesar-Cedeno-was-fined-5000/8617369028800/ Houston Astros first baseman Cesar Cedeno was fined $5,000 United Press International (UPI) September 11, 1981 February 13, 2026 Nolan Ryan's no-hitter On September 26, 1981, Ryan no-hit the Dodgers, 5–0, on national television. The 34-year-old right-hander became the first pitcher to throw five career no-hitters, which surpassed former Dodgers great Sandy Koufax, one of the most dominant left-handers in major league history.Nolan Ryan pitches his fifth no-hitter https://www.astrosdaily.com/history/19810926/index.html Astros Daily September 26, 1981 November 15, 2014 Wire reports During the seventh frame, Terry Puhl's one-handed, running catch of a Mike Scioscia line drive was a key moment that helped preserve the no-hit effort. Ryan struck out 11, yielded just three bases on balls, raised his record to 10–5 and earned a game score of 95.https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU198109260.shtml Los Angeles Dodgers (0) vs Houston Astros (5) box score Baseball-Reference.com September 26, 1981 November 24, 2025 In the bottom of the third inning, catcher Alan Ashby opened the scoring with a two-run single. Later, during the eighth, Craig Reynolds doubled in Denny Walling, Phil Garner singled in Reynolds, and José Cruz singled home Puhl to make the score 5–0. When he whiffed Dusty Baker during the sixth inning, it was the tenth hitter Ryan had set down via strikeout, the 135th such game of his career. Control issues emerged for Ryan in the second inning when he issued a leadoff walk to Steve Garvey. Garvey stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. However, he struck out Pedro Guerrero and induced a popup from Ron Roenicke to extinguish the threat. The next inning, Ryan again walked the leadoff hitter, Derrel Thomas, then fanned Ted Power and Davey Lopes. Ken Landreaux also walked, but Ryan retired the side when Baker grounded out to second. In the final inning, Ryan fanned pinch hitter Reggie Smith for his 11th of the game. Next, Landreaux battered a ground ball to Walling, the first baseman, whom he retired. Ryan closed out his masterpiece by inducing a ground ball from Baker to third baseman Art Howe. Asbhy, Ryan's batterymate, caught his second of three no-hitters for Houston.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/recbooks/rb_noh1.shtml No-hitter records Baseball Almanac December 3, 2025 Ryan had been tied with Koufax with four no-hitters since June 1, 1975, as a member of the California Angels, the club with whom he accomplished each of the four. Prior to the contest against the Dodgers, Ryan had pitched seven one-hitters. Ryan's was the first Astros no-hitter since Ken Forsch's on April 7, 1979, and the seventh in club history. Nearly five years later to the day, on September 25, 1986, Mike Scott tossed Houston's eighth no-hitter.https://www.baseball-almanac.com/pitching/official-no-hitters.shtml Official no-hitters in Major League Baseball Baseball Almanac October 14, 2025 The Astros' win kept them 1 1 2 games ahead of Cincinnati for the second-half division title. October While at bat against Jerry Reuss on October 2, Sutton sustained a patella fracture on contact of a hit by pitch, instantly ending his season. Houston would also lose the game to the Dodgers, 6–1. Entering the contest, Sutton's second-half effort had been a leading factor on the pitching staff and Houston's resurgence, having gone 7–1 W–L and 1.86 earned run average (ERA).Rappoport Ken Astros lose game, and Don Sutton https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1915&dat=19811003&id=-HUfAAAAIBAJ&pg=3194,593512 The Day Associated Press October 3, 1981 August 31, 2025 Performance overview The Astros' pitching staff led the National League in each of earned run average (2.66 ERA), fewest hits (842), fewest home runs (40), most shutouts (19),Tied with the Dodgers. and most strikeouts (610).https://www.baseball-almanac.com/yearly/yr1981n.shtml 1981 National League stats and history Baseball Almanac February 23, 2026 Led by Ryan and Knepper, the 1981 Astros pitching staff set an all-time franchise mark in ERA.https://www.mlb.com/news/framber-valdez-ryan-pressly-notch-milestones-for-astros 106-win Astros rack up milestones in final game McTaggart Brian MLB.com October 5, 2022 August 28, 2025 The Astros' pitching staff had established the club record just year prior (3.10), which had superseded the prior record of 3.13 set in 1971. Although the 1981 season was abbreviated to 110 contests as a result of the work stoppage, this pitching staff tied their 1979 counterpart for most team shutouts in franchise history (19).https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/pitchteam.shtml Houston Astros team yearly pitching stats Baseball-Reference.com October 19, 2025 Ryan, who posted an ERA of 1.69 for the season, led MLB, succeeding as J. R. Richard the second Astros pitcher to lead the NL, who did so in 1979.https://www.baseball-reference.com/leaders/earned_run_avg_leagues.shtml Yearly league leaders & records for earned run average Baseball-Reference.com September 15, 2025 Knepper finished as runner-up in the NL in ERA (2.18) to Ryan, while Sutton (2.61) placed ninth.https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1981-pitching-leaders.shtml 1981 National League pitching leaders Baseball-Reference.com December 22, 2025 In his 15th major league season, it was the first time Ryan had led the league. Both he and Knepper surpassed left-hander Mike Cuellar for the single-season club record, which he set in 1966 with a 2.22 mark,https://www.mlb.com/astros/history/timeline Astros history – Timeline MLB.com August 28, 2025https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/leaders_pitch_season.shtml Houston Astros top 10 single-season pitching leaders Baseball-Reference.com August 28, 2025 while Knepper established the club record for ERA in a qualified season among left-handers.For single seasons, throws LH, qualified for league ERA title, playing for HOU, in the regular season, sorted by ascending earned run average.https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/baseball/player-pitching-season-finder.cgi?request=1&order_by_asc=1&order_by=p_earned_run_avg&qualifiers=eratitle&minIpVal=162&minDecVal=14&mingamesVal=40&team_id=HOU&throws=L Player pitching season & career stats finder–baseball Stathead Sports Reference December 26, 2025 Four members of the Astros' starting rotation each placed within the top 10 of the league for individual shutouts. Knepper ranked second (5), while Sutton and Ryan tied for fourth with 3, and Niekro tied for 10th with two. Following the season, Ryan was recognized with the Houston Astros' team Most Valuable Player Award (MVP).McTaggart Brian http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674760&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou Bourn highlights Astros' awards season December 21, 2009 MLB.com October 19, 2025 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20101208131739/http://washington.nationals.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20091116&content_id=7674760&vkey=news_hou&fext=.jsp&c_id=hou December 8, 2010 Knepper was recognized as The Sporting News NL Comeback Player of the Year,https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/comeback_player_of_the_year_award.shtml The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award winners Baseball Almanac October 17, 2025 after having rebounded from two subpar years with San Francisco, including an ERA well over 4.00 during both. Knepper produced a breakout campaign in 1978 with the Giants, when he went 17–11, 2.63 ERA, 16 complete games, and an-NL leading six shutouts over 36 games. Knepper was also the first Astros player to receive The Sporting News Comeback Player of the Year Award. Season standings Record versus opponents National League border:1px solid #aaa HOU Notable transactions April 1, 1981: Chris Bourjos was traded by the Houston Astros with cash to the Baltimore Orioles for Kiko Garcia. April 3, 1981: Gary Rajsich was traded by the Astros to the New York Mets for John Csefalvay (minors).https://www.baseball-reference.com/r/rajsiga01.shtml Gary Rajsich stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 17, 2025 April 17, 1981: David Clyde was signed as a free agent by the Astros.https://www.baseball-reference.com/c/clydeda01.shtml David Clyde stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 19, 2025 April 20, 1981 - Dave Bergman and Jeffrey Leonard were traded by the Astros to the San Francisco Giants for Mike Ivie.https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/i/iviemi01.shtml Mike Ivie stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 19, 2025 June 7, 1981: Joaquín Andújar was traded by the Astros to the St. Louis Cardinals for Tony Scott.https://www.baseball-reference.com/a/andujjo01.shtml Joaquín Andújar stats, height, weight, position, rookie status & more Baseball-Reference.com October 19, 2025 June 8, 1981: Eric Bullock was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 1st round (20th pick) of the 1981 amateur draft (secondary phase).https://www.baseball-reference.com/b/bulloer01.shtml Eric Bullock Stats Roster 1981 Houston Astros Roster Pitchers 47 Joaquín Andújar 39 Bob Knepper 31 Frank LaCorte 36 Joe Niekro 26 Gordie Pladson 48 Vern Ruhle 34 Nolan Ryan 35 Joe Sambito 27 Billy Smith 45 Dave Smith 41 Bobby Sprowl 20 Don Sutton Catchers 14 Alan Ashby 11 Alan Knicely  6 Luis Pujols Infielders 16 Dave Bergman 28 César Cedeño 23 Kiko Garcia  3 Phil Garner 24 Danny Heep 18 Art Howe 15 Mike Ivie 17 Rafael Landestoy 30 Jeffrey Leonard  1 Bert Peña  9 Joe Pittman 12 Craig Reynolds  8 Dave Roberts 16 Harry Spilman 10 Dickie Thon 29 Denny Walling Outfielders 25 José Cruz 26 Scott Loucks 21 Terry Puhl 30 Tony Scott 38 Tim Tolman 15,22 Gary Woods Manager  7 Bill Virdon Coaches  4 Deacon Jones 43 Don Leppert  5 Bob Lillis  2 Mel Wright Game log Regular season (First half) Legend Astros win Astros loss PostponementBoldAstros team member background:#072854;color:#FF7F00; 1981 regular season game log (First half): 28–29 (home: 14–14; away: 14–15) y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; April: 7–12 (home: 4–9; away: 3–3) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |1 || April 9, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:05p.m. CST || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 0–2 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Valenzuela (1–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Niekro (0–1) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:17 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |50,511 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |0–1 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2 || April 11, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |9:05p.m. CST || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 4–7 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Hooton (1–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Sutton (0–1) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:56 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |51,691 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |0–2 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3 || April 12, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:05p.m. CST || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 2–3 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Sutcliffe (1–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Ruhle (0–1) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Howe (1) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:16 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |50,734 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |0–3 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 4 || April 13 || 7:35p.m. CST || Braves || L 1–2 (10) || Camp (1–0) || Sambito (0–1) || Bradford (1) || 2:57 || 34,961 || 0–4 || L4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 5 || April 14 || 7:35p.m. CST || Braves || W 8–2 || Niekro (1–1) || Walk (0–1) || – || 2:38 || 21,440 || 1–4 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 6 || April 15 || 7:35p.m. CST || Braves || W 2–0 || Ryan (1–0) || Boggs (0–1) || LaCorte (1) || 2:00 || 22,365 || 2–4 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 7 || April 17 || 7:35p.m. CST || Pirates || L 3–4 || Rhoden (2–0) || Sutton (0–2) || Romo (2) || 2:28 || 39,119 || 2–5 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 8 || April 18 || 12:50p.m. CST || Pirates || L 3–6 (11) || Jackson (1–0) || Smith (0–1) || – || 3:06 || 29,790 || 2–6 || L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 9 || April 19 || 2:05p.m. CST || Pirates || L 0–2 || Scurry (1–0) || Niekro (1–2) || Solomon (1) || 2:21 || 30,394 || 2–7 || L3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |10 || April 20, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:35p.m. CST || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 2–5 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Hooton (3–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Andújar (0–1) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Goltz (1) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:34 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |21,370 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2–8 || L4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |11 || April 21, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:35p.m. CST || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W 1–0 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Knepper (1–0) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Reuss (0–1) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |1:48 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |21,904 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3–8 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |12 || April 22, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |6:05p.m. CST || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 0–1 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Valenzuela (4–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Sutton (0–3) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:24 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |22,830 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3–9 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 13 || April 23 || 7:35p.m. CST || Reds || L 4–5 (10) || Price (1–0) || Smith (0–2) || Moskau (1) || |3:06 || 23,173 || 3–10 || L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 14 || April 24 || 7:35p.m. CST || Reds || L 0–3 || Pastore (1–0) || Niekro (1–3) || – || 2:23 || 27,087 || 3–11 || L3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 15 || April 25 || 12:50p.m. CST || Reds || L 1–2 || Berenyi (2–0) || Ryan (1–1) || Hume (1) || 2:45 || 19,957 || 3–12 || L4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 16 || April 26 || 2:05p.m. CDT || Reds || W 1–0 || Knepper (2–0) || Soto (1–3) || – || 2:21 || 23,428 || 4–12 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 17 || April 28 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Braves || W 2–1 || Sutton (1–3) || Montefusco (1–2) || Smith (1) || 2:34 || 8,669 || 5–12 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 18 || April 29 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Braves || W 5–4 || LaCorte (1–0) || Camp (2–1) || – || 3:18 || 8,334 || 6–12 || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 19 || April 30 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Braves || W 5–1 || Niekro (2–3) || Boggs (1–3) || – || 2:19 || 10,006 || 7–12 || W4 |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; May: 17–12 (home: 8–4; away: 9–8) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#cfc;" | 20 || May 1 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Pirates || W 5–3 || Sambito (1–1) || Solomon (0–1) || – || 3:01 || 7,012 || 8–12 || W5 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 21 || May 2 || 6:05p.m. CDT || @ Pirates || L 4–5 (12) || Solomon (1–1) || Smith (0–3) || – || 3:56 || 21,993 || 8–13 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 22 || May 3 || 12:35p.m. CDT || @ Pirates || W 3–1 || Sutton (2–3) || Bibby (1–1) || Smith (2) || 3:15 || 10,438 || 9–13 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 23 || May 4 || 1:35p.m. CDT || @ Cubs || W 5–4 || Andújar (1–1) || Krukow (1–2) || Sambito (1) || 3:02 || 2,941 || 10–13 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 24 || May 5 || 1:35p.m. CDT || @ Cubs || W 4–3 || Smith (1–3) || Smith (0–2) || – || 2:41 || 2,092 || 11–13 || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 25 || May 6 || 1:35p.m. CDT || @ Cubs || L 1–2 (11) || Smith (1–2) || LaCorte (1–1) || – || 3:27 || 2,572 || 11–14 || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 26 || May 7 || 1:35p.m. CDT || @ Cubs || W 6–0 || Knepper (3–0) || Martz (1–1) || – || 2:40 || 3,112 || 12–14 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 27 || May 8 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Reds || L 0–4 || Seaver (3–1) || Sutton (2–4) || – || 2:21 || 31,961 || 12–15 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 28 || May 9 || 1:15p.m. CDT || @ Reds || L 5–9 || Berenyi (3–1) || Andújar (1–2) || – || 2:38 || 30,860 || 12–16 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 29 || May 10 || 1:35p.m. CDT || @ Reds || W 7–5 || Niekro (3–3) || Pastore (1–1) || LaCorte (2) || 2:44 || 31,903 || 13–16 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 30 || May 11 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Reds || W 5–0 || Ryan (2–1) || LaCoss (1–4) || – || 2:36 || 11,795 || 14–16 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 31 || May 12 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Cardinals || L 2–3 (10) || Sutter (1–1) || Sambito (1–2) || Kaat (2) || 2:26 || 20,020 || 13–17 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 32 || May 13 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Cardinals || W 3–0 || Sutton (3–4) || Shirley (4–1) || – || 2:24 || 21,705 || 14–17 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 33 || May 14 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Cardinals || L 6–7 || Otten (1–0) || Sambito (1–3) || Sutter (6) || 2:54 || 20,042 || 14–18 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 34 || May 15 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Cubs || W 5–0 || Niekro (4–3) || Caudill (0–3) || – || 2:16 || 23,718 || 16–18 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 35 || May 16 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Cubs || W 6–1 || Ryan (3–1) || Martz (1–2) || Sambito (2) || 2:48 || 43,726 || 17–18 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 36 || May 17 || 2:35p.m. CDT || Cubs || W 6–1 || Knepper (4–0) || Krukow (1–4) || – || 2:34 || 34,068 || 18–18 || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 37 || May 19 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Cardinals || L 12–15 || Kaat (2–0) || Sprowl (0–1) || – || 3:03 || 14,585 || 18–19 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 38 || May 20 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Cardinals || W 4–3 (11) || Niekro (5–3) || Sutter (1–2) || Sambito (3) || 2:47 || 19,175 || 19–19 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 39 || May 21 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Cardinals || L 1–3 || Martin (1–0) || Ryan (3–2) || – || 2:13 || 19,823 || 19–20 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 40 || May 22 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Giants || L 3–6 (15) || Minton (2–2) || Andújar (1–3) || – || 4:38 || 30,377 || 19–21 || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 41 || May 23 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Giants || W 5–3 || LaCorte (2–1) || Whitson (1–5) || – || 3:09 || 38,586 || 20–21 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 42 || May 24 || 5:00p.m. CDT || Giants || L 1–2 || Blue (4–3) || Sutton (3–5) || Minton (9) || 2:26 || 34,922 || 20–22 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 43 || May 25 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Padres || W 6–3 || Niekro (6–3) || Mura (1–7) || Sambito (4) || 2:41 || 19,025 || 21–22 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 44 || May 26 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Padres || W 1–0 || Ryan (4–2) || Eichelberger (4–3) || Sambito (5) || 2:23 || 17,709 || 22–22 || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 45 || May 27 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Padres || W 1–0 || Knepper (5–0) || Welsh (2–3) || – || 1:50 || 21,256 || 23–22 || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 46 || May 29 || 9:35p.m. CDT || @ Giants || L 1–3 || Blue (5–3) || Sutton (3–6) || Holland (2) || 2:22 || 8,397 || 23–23 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 47 || May 30 || 3:05p.m. CDT || @ Giants || W 9–8 (14) || Andújar (2–3) || Breining (1–1) || Ruhle (1) || 4:33 || 8,869 || 24–23 || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 48 || May 31 || 3:05p.m. CDT || @ Giants || L 1–6 || Griffin (4–3) || Ryan (4–3) || Holland (3) || 2:34 || 20,626 || 24–24 || L1 |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; June: 4–5 (home: 2–1; away: 2–4) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#cfc;" | 49 || June 2 || 9:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || W 2–1 || LaCorte (3–1) || Welsh (2–4) || Sambito (6) || 2:19 || 9,671 || 25–24 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 50 || June 3 || 9:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || W 6–1 || Sutton (4–6) || Wise (2–5) || – || 2:25 || 10,023 || 26–24 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 51 || June 4 || 3:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || L 5–7 || Mura (3–7) || Niekro (6–4) || Lucas (8) || 2:31 || 12,403 || 26–25 || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 52 || June 5 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Mets || W 3–0 || Ryan (5–3) || Jones (1–6) || – || 2:09 || 28,085 || 27–25 || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 53 || June 6 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Mets || W 6–2 || Ruhle (1–1) || Zachry (5–6) || Smith (3) || 2:17 || 42,478 || 28–25 || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 54 || June 7 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Mets || L 1–3 || Scott (3–4) || Knepper (5–1) || Allen (6) || 2:13 || 29,873 || 28–26 || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 55 || June 8 || 7:35p.m. CDT || @ Phillies || L 3–4 || Ruthven (8–3) || Sutton (4–7) || McGraw (6) || 2:41 || 31,664 || 28–27 || L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 56 || June 9 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Phillies || L 3–10 || Bystrom (4–3) || Niekro (6–5) || Reed (5) || 2:17 || 33,978 || 28–28 || L3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 57 || June 10 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Phillies || L 4–5 || Carlton (9–1) || LaCorte (3–2) || McGraw (7) || 2:22 || 57,386 || 28–29 || L4 |- Regular season (games canceled by the 1981 Major League Baseball strike) Legend Canceled (Strike)BoldAstros team member background:#072854;color:#FF7F00; 1981 regular season game log y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; June # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 12 || || @ Mets || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 13 || || @ Mets || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 14 || || @ Mets || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 15 || || @ Expos || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 16 || || @ Expos || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 17 || || Phillies || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 18 || || Phillies || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 19 || || Expos || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 20 || || Expos || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 21 || || Expos || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 23 || || @ Pirates || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 24 || || @ Pirates || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 25 || || @ Pirates || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || June 26, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:35p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || colspan=8 style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || June 27, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:35p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || colspan=8 style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || June 28, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |5:00p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || colspan=8 style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 29 || || Reds || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| June 30 || || Reds || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; July # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 1 || || Reds || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 3 || || @ Braves || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 4 || || @ Braves || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 5 || || @ Braves || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || July 7, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |9:30p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || colspan=8 style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || July 8, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |9:30p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || colspan=8 style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Canceled (Strike) (Makeup date: May 17) |-style="background:#bbb;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || July 9, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:05p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || colspan=8 style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 10 || || Braves || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 11 || || Braves || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 12 || || Braves || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 16 || || @ Reds || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 17 || || @ Reds || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 18 || || @ Reds || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 19 || || @ Cubs || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 20 || || @ Cubs || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 21 || || Pirates || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 22 || || Pirates || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 23 || || Pirates || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 24 || || Cardinals || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 25 || || Cardinals || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 26 || || Cardinals || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 27 || || Cubs || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 28 || || Cubs || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 29 || || Cubs || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| July 31 || || @ Cardinals || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; August # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 1 || || @ Cardinals || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 2 || || @ Cardinals || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 3 || || Giants || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 4 || || Giants || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 5 || || Giants || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 7 || || Padres || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 8 || || Padres || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |-style="background:#bbb;" |–|| August 9 || || Padres || colspan=8 | Canceled (Strike) |- Regular season (Second half) Legend Astros win Astros loss Postponement Clinched divisionBoldAstros team member background:#072854;color:#FF7F00; 1981 regular season game log (Second half): 33–20 (home: 17–6; away: 16–14) y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; August: 13–8 (home: 7–1; away: 6–7) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style=background:#bbbfff | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || August 9, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:15p.m. CDT || colspan="9" style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |52nd All-Star Game in Cleveland, OH |-style="background:#cfc;" | 1 (58) || August 10 || 9:35p.m. CDT || @ Giants || W 6–5 || Sambito (2–3) || Breining (2–2) || LaCorte (3) || 3:08 || 11,115 || 1–0 (29–29) || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 2 (59) || August 11 || 9:35p.m. CDT || @ Giants || L 2–3 || Griffin (5–5) || Niekro (6–6) || Minton (10) || 2:36 || 12,354 || 1–1 (29–30) || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 3 (60) || August 12 || 2:05p.m. CDT || @ Giants || W 5–4 || Sambito (3–3) || Holland (3–3) || Smith (1) || 2:51 || 8,707 || 2–1 (30–30) || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 4 (61) || August 13 || 3:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || L 1–9 || Welsh (4–4) || Knepper (5–2) || – || 2:29 || 4,899 || 2–2 (30–31) || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 5 (62) || August 14 || 9:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || W 5–1 || Ryan (6–3) || Lollar (1–5) || – || 2:24 || 8,414 || 3–2 (31–31) || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 6 (63) || August 15 || 9:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || W 5–0 || Sutton (5–7) || Eichelberger (6–4) || – || 1:59 || 5,852 || 4–2 (32–31) || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 7 (64) || August 16 || 3:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || W 3–0 || Niekro (7–6) || Mura (4–9) || Smith (4) || 2:16 || 5,880 || 5–2 (33–31) || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 8 (65) || August 17 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Expos || L 2–6 || Burris (5–5) || Ruhle (1–2) || Fryman (4) || 2:19 || 24,203 || 5–3 (33–32) || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 9 {66) || August 18 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Expos || W 4–2 || Knepper (6–2) || Rogers (8–5) || Sambito (7) || 2:04 || 23,306 || 6–3 (34–32) || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 10 (67) || August 19 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Expos || W 9–1 || Ryan (7–3) || Sanderson (6–4) || Smith (5) || 2:39 || 27,169 || 7–3 (35–32) || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 11 (68) || August 21 || 7:05p.m. CDT || @ Phillies || L 4–5 || Lyle (6–2) || Ruhle (1–3) || McGraw (8) || 2:41 || 31,693 || 7–4 (35–33) || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 12 (69) || August 22 || 1:15p.m. CDT || @ Phillies || L 4–8 || Ruthven (9–5) || Niekro (7–7) || – || 2:16 || 35,199 || 7–5 (35–34) || L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 13 (70) || August 23 || 6:05p.m. CDT || @ Phillies || L 0–6 || Carlton (10–3) || Knepper (6–3) || – || 1:51 || 30,630 || 7–6 (35–35) || L3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 14 (71) || August 25 || 7:05p.m. CDT || @ Mets || L 1–2 || Marshall (1–0) || Sambito (3–4) || – || 2:32 || 15,622 || 7–7 (35–36) || L4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 15 (72) || August 26 || 7:05p.m. CDT || @ Mets || W 9–3 || Sutton (6–7) || Zachry (6–9) || – || 2:34 || 16,731 || 8–7 (36–36) || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 16 (73) || August 27 || 1:05p.m. CDT || @ Mets || L 2–3 || Marshall (2–0) || Sambito (3–5) || Allen (12) || 2:28 || 17,488 || 8–8 (36–37) || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 17 (74) || August 28 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Phillies || W 3–2 (10) || Smith (2–3) || Lyle (6–3) || – || 2:37 || 29,482 || 9–8 (37–37) || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 18 (75) || August 29 (1) || 5:35p.m. CDT || Phillies || W 6–1 || Ruhle (2–3) || Davis (0–2) || – || 2:22 || N/A || 10–8 (38–37) || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 19 (76) || August 29 (2) || 8:32p.m. CDT || Phillies || W 2–1 || Smith (1–0) || Noles (0–1) || LaCorte (4) || 2:01 || 33,327 || 11–8 (39–37) || W3 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 20 (77) || August 30 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Phillies || W 5–4 (10) || Smith (3–3) || Lyle (6–4) || – || 2:53 || 23,102 || 12–8 (40–37) || W4 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 21 (78) || August 31 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Mets || W 6–1 || Sutton (7–7) || Zachry (6–10) || – || 2:27 || 10,669 || 13–8 (41–37) || W5 |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; September: 18–10 (home: 10–5; away: 8–5) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#cfc;" | 22 (79) || September 1 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Mets || W 3–2 || Sambito (4–5) || Marshall (2–1) || – || 2:39 || 16,339 || 14–8 (42–37) || W6 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 23 (80) || September 2 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Mets || W 8–0 || Knepper (7–3) || Scott (4–8) || – || 2:21 || 18,938 || 15–8 (43–37) || W7 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 24 {81) || September 3 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 2–1 || Ruhle (3–3) || Sanderson (7–5) || Smith (6) || 2:20 || 24,833 || 16–8 (44–37) || W8 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 25 (82) || September 4 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 5–0 || Ryan (8–3) || Gullickson (4–7) || Sambito (8) || 2:54 || 32,580 || 17–8 (45–37) || W9 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 26 (83) || September 5 || 1:15p.m. CDT || @ Expos || L 2–5 || Burris (7–5) || Sutton (7–8) || – || 2:13 || 30,471 || 17–9 (45–38) || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 27 (84) || September 6 || 12:35p.m. CDT || @ Expos || W 4–3 (12) || LaCorte (4–2) || Sosa (1–2) || – || 3:33 || 47,193 || 18–9 (46–38) || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 28 (85) || September 7 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Braves || W 3–2 || Smith (4–3) || Camp (7–2) || Sambito (9) || 2:40 || 7,358 || 19–9 (47–38) || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 29 (86) || September 8 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Braves || L 2–3 || Camp (8–2) || Smith (1–1) || – || 2:13 || 2,800 || 19–10 (47–39) || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 30 (87) || September 9 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Braves || L 0–9 || Niekro (7–5) || Ryan (8–4) || – || 2:34 || 4,482 || 19–11 (47–40) || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 31 (88) || September 11 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Giants || W 6–0 || Sutton (8–8) || Blue (8–6) || – || 2:30 || 23,677 || 20–11 (48–40) || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 32 (89) || September 12 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Giants || W 5–2 || Niekro (8–7) || Whitson (5–8) || Smith (7) || 2:39 || 35,867 || 21–11 (49–40) || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 33 (90) || September 13 || 5:00p.m. CDT || Giants || W 3–0 || Knepper (8–3) || Alexander (8–7) || LaCorte (5) || 2:32 || 19,642 || 22–11 (50–40) || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 34 (91) || September 14 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Reds || L 2–4 || Berenyi (8–5) || Ruhle (3–4) || – || 2:30 || 19,742 || 22–12 (50–41) || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 35 (92) || September 15 || 5:00p.m. CDT || Reds || L 0–4 || Leibrandt (1–0) || Ryan (8–5) || – || 2:26 || 16,354 || 22–13 (50–42) || L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 36 (93) || September 16 || 9:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || W 5–2 || Sutton (9–8) || Lollar (1–8) || Sambito (10) || 2:35 || 4,241 || 23–13 (51–42) || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 37 (94) || September 17 || 9:05p.m. CDT || @ Padres || W 9–0 || Niekro (9–7) || Mura (5–13) || – || 2:14 || 2,428 || 24–13 (52–42) || W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 38 (95) || September 18 || 9:35p.m. CDT || @ Giants || L 2–5 || Alexander (9–7) || Knepper (8–4) || Holland (7) || 2:26 || 8,183 || 24–14 (52–43) || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 39 (96) || September 19 || 3:05p.m. CDT || @ Giants || W 8–1 || Ruhle (4–4) || Griffin (8–7) || – || 2:26 || 11,522 || 25–14 (53–43) || W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 40 (97) || September 20 || 3:05p.m. CDT || @ Giants || W 7–3 || Ryan (9–5) || Lavelle (0–6) || – || 3:04 || 16,824 || 26–14 (54–43) || W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 41 (98) || September 22 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Braves || W 3–0 || Sutton (10–8) || Perry (7–8) || – || 2:16 || 22,564 || 27–14 (55–43) || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 42 (99) || September 23 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Braves || L 1–3 || Mahler (6–6) || Niekro (9–8) || – || 2:13 || 24,142 || 27–15 (55–44) || L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 43 (100) || September 24 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Braves || W 5–3 || Knepper (9–4) || McWilliams (1–1) || Smith (8) || 2:17 || 23,341 || 28–15 (56–44) || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |44 (101) || September 25, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:35p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 0–3 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Hooton (11–6) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Ruhle (4–5) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:18 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |35,481 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |28–16 (56–45) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |45 (102) || September 26, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |1:20p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W 5–0 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Ryan (10–5) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Power (1–3) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:46 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |32,115 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |29–16 (57–45) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |46 (103) || September 27, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |5:05p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W 4–1 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Sutton (11–8) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Valenzuela (13–6) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:23 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |41,686 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |30–16 (58–45) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | 47 (104) || September 28 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Padres || W 2–1 || Sambito (5–5) || Eichelberger (8–8) || – || 2:07 || 21,576 || 31–16 (59–45) || W3 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 48 (105) || September 29 || 7:35p.m. CDT || Padres || L 1–2 || Wise (4–8) || Knepper (9–5) || Lucas (12) || 2:19 || 34,732 || 31–17 (59–46) || L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | 49 (106) || September 30 || 6:35p.m. CDT || @ Reds || L 2–3 || Soto (11–9) || Ruhle (4–6) || Hume (13) || 2:14 || 24,394 || 31–18 (59–47) || L2 |- y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; October: 2–2 (home: 0–0; away: 2–2) # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Record Box/Streak |-style="background:#cfc;" | 50 (107) || October 1 || 4:00p.m. CDT || @ Reds || W 8–1 || Ryan (11–5) || Berenyi (9–6) || – || 3:12 || 26,484 || 32–18 (60–47) || W1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |51 (108) || October 2, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |9:30p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 1–6 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Reuss (10–4) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Sutton (11–9) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:30 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |46,108 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |32–19 (60–48) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L1 |-style="background:#090;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |52 (109) || October 3, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:50p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 2–7 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Welch (9–5) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Niekro (9–9) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:43 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |42,272 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |32–20 (60–49) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L2 |-style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |53 (110) || October 4, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:00p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W 5–3 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Smith (5–2) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Goltz (2–7) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:17 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |47,072 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |33–20 (61–49) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W1 |- Detailed records National League Opponent W L WP RS Runs scored RA Runs against NL EastChicago Cubs 6 1 6 1 y 33 11Montreal Expos 5 2 5 2 y 28 18New York Mets 6 3 6 3 y 39 16Philadelphia Phillies 4 6 4 6 y 34 46Pittsburgh Pirates 2 4 2 4 y 18 21St. Louis Cardinals 2 4 2 4 y 28 31 Div Total 25 20 25 20 y 180 143 NL WestAtlanta Braves 8 4 8 4 y 37 30Cincinnati Reds 4 8 4 8 y 35 42Houston Astros Los Angeles Dodgers 4 8 4 8 y 26 38San Diego Padres 11 3 11 3 y 52 27San Francisco Giants 9 6 9 6 y 64 51 Div Total 36 29 36 29 y 214 188 Season Total 61 49 61 49 y 394 331 Month Games Won Lost Win % RS Runs scored RA Runs against April 19 7 12 7 12 y 44 50 May 29 17 12 17 12 y 118 100 June 9 4 5 4 5 y 33 33 August 21 13 8 13 8 y 84 67 September 28 18 10 18 10 y 99 64 October 4 2 2 2 2 y 16 17 Total 110 61 49 61 49 y 394 331 Games Won Lost Win % RS Runs scored RA Runs against Home 51 31 20 31 20 y 166 106 Away 59 30 29 30 29 y 228 225 Total 110 61 49 61 49 y 394 331 Postseason Game log Legend Astros win Astros lossBoldAstros team member background:#072854;color:#FF7F00; 1981 Postseason game log: 2–3 (home: 2–0; away: 0–3) y background:#FF7F00;color:#072854; NL Western Division Series: vs. Los Angeles Dodgers 2–3 (home: 2–0; away: 0–3)1981 National League Western Division Series https://www.baseball-reference.com/postseason/1981_NLDS.shtml Baseball Reference 4 May 2025 # Date Time (CT) Opponent Score Win Loss Save Time of Game Attendance Series Box/Streak |-style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |1 || October 6, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:15p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W 3–1 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Ryan (1–0) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Stewart (0–1) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:22 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |44,836 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |HOU 1–0 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W1 |-style="background:#cfc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2 || October 7, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |12:05p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W 1–0 (11) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Sambito (1–0) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Stewart (0–2) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:39 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |42,398 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |HOU 2–0 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |W2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3 || October 9, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:05p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 1–6 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Hooton (1–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Knepper (0–1) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:35 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |46,820 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |HOU 2–1 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L1 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |4 || October 10, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |7:15p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |@ Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 1–2 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Valenzuela (1–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Ruhle (0–1) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:00 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |55,983 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Tied 2–2 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L2 |-style="background:#fcc;" | style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |5 || October 11, 1981 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |3:05p.m. CDT || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Dodgers || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L 0–4 || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |Reuss (1–0) || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |Ryan (1–1) || style="Los Angeles Dodgers 1981 2;" |— || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |2:52 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |55,979 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |LAN 3–2 || style="Houston Astros 1981 2;" |L3 |- |- style="text-align:center;" | Legend:      #cfc darkgray = Win      #fcc darkgray = Loss      #bbb darkgray = PostponementBold = Astros team member Major League Baseball draft 1981 Major League Baseball draft Houston Astros 1981 MLB draft selectionshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/draft/index.fcgi?team_ID=HOU&year_ID=1981&draft_type=junreg&query_type=franch_year&from_type_hs=0&from_type_4y=0&from_type_unk=0&from_type_jc=0 1981 Houston Astros picks in the MLB June amateur draft Baseball-Reference.com September 18, 2025 Round 1: First round pick was forfeited to the Texas Rangers as compensation for signing third baseman Dave Roberts in free agency. "Compensation" Round 3 – no. 75: Curtis Burks – OF • Tennessee State University, Nashville, Tennessee • Signed • Career Statistics Batting Starters by position Note: Pos = Position; G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Pos Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI C Alan Ashby 83 255 69 .271 4 33 1B César Cedeño 82 306 83 .271 5 34 2B Joe Pittman 52 135 38 .281 0 7 SS Craig Reynolds 87 323 84 .260 4 31 3B Art Howe 103 361 107 .296 3 36 LF José Cruz 107 409 109 .267 13 55 CF Tony Scott 55 225 66 .293 2 22 RF Terry Puhl 96 350 88 .251 3 28 Other batters Note: G = Games played; AB = At bats; H = Hits; Avg. = Batting average; HR = Home runs; RBI = Runs batted in Player G AB H Avg. HR RBI Denny Walling 65 158 37 .234 5 23 Kiko Garcia 48 136 37 .272 0 15 Luis Pujols 40 117 28 .239 1 14 Phil Garner 31 113 27 .239 0 6 Gary Woods 54 110 23 .209 0 12 Danny Heep 33 96 24 .250 0 11 Dickie Thon 49 95 26 .274 0 3 Rafael Landestoy 35 74 11 .149 0 4 Dave Roberts 27 54 13 .241 1 5 Mike Ivie 19 42 10 .238 0 6 Harry Spilman 28 34 10 .294 0 1 Jeffrey Leonard 7 18 3 .167 0 3 Tim Tolman 4 8 1 .125 0 0 Scott Loucks 10 7 4 .571 0 0 Alan Knicely 3 7 4 .571 2 2 Dave Bergman 6 6 1 .167 1 1 Bert Peña 4 2 1 .500 0 0 Pitching = Indicates league leader Starting pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Joe Niekro 24 166.0 9 9 2.82 77 Don Sutton 23 158.2 11 9 2.61 104 Bob Knepper 22 156.2 9 5 2.18 75 Nolan Ryan 21 149.0 11 5 1.69 140 Vern Ruhle 20 102.0 4 6 2.91 39 Other pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L ERA SO Joaquín Andújar 9 23.2 2 3 4.94 18 Relief pitchers Note: G = Games pitched; IP = Innings pitched; W = Wins; L = Losses; SV = Saves; ERA = Earned run average; SO = Strikeouts Player G IP W L SV ERA SO Joe Sambito 49 63.2 5 5 10 1.84 41 Dave Smith 42 75.0 5 3 8 2.76 52 Frank LaCorte 37 42.0 4 2 5 3.64 40 Bobby Sprowl 15 28.2 0 1 0 5.97 18 Billy Smith 10 20.2 1 1 1 3.05 3 Gordie Pladson 2 4.0 0 0 0 9.00 3 1981 National League Division Series 1981 National League Division Series Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Houston Astros Los Angeles wins series, 3-2. GameScoreDate1Houston 3, Los Angeles 1October 62Houston 1, Los Angeles 0 (11 innings)October 73Los Angeles 6, Houston 1 October 94Los Angeles 2, Houston 1 October 105Los Angeles 4, Houston 0 October 11 Awards and achievements No-hit game Date Pitcher IP Innings pitched BB Bases on balls BR Total baserunners K Strikeouts BF Batters faced Catcher Final Final score Opponent Venue Plate umpire Box Box score September 26, 1981 Nolan Ryan 9 3 3 11 30 Alan Ashby 5–0 Los Angeles Dodgers Astrodome Bruce Froemming Ryan: Game score: 95 • Win (10–5) Awards 1981 Houston Astros award winners Name of award Recipient Ref. References Houston Astros Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) Nolan Ryan MLB All-Star Game Reserve pitcher Bob Knepper Nolan Ryan National League (NL) Player of the Month May Art Howe National League (NL) Player of the Week April 26 Bob Knepper https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/mlb-players-of-the-week.shtml MLB Players of the Week Awards Baseball-Reference.com August 9, 2025 September 27 Nolan Ryan The Sporting News NL Comeback Player of the Year Bob Knepper Other awards results Name of award Voting recipient(s) (Team) Ref. References NL Cy Young 1st—Valenzuela (LAD) • 4th—Ryan (HOU) https://www.baseball-reference.com/awards/awards_1981.shtml 1981 awards voting Baseball-Reference.com May 28, 2026 NL Most Valuable Player 1st—Schmidt (PHI) • 14th—Cruz (HOU) Other Astros: 16th—Ryan • 18th—Howe League leaders Individual batting leaders Triples: Craig Reynolds (12) Individual pitching leaders Earned run average: Nolan Ryan (1.69) Walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP): Don Sutton (1.015) + 1981 grand slams No. Number Date Astros batter Venue Inning Pitcher Opposing team Box Box score None Minor league system Minor League Baseball AAA Tucson Toros Pacific Coast League Jimmy Johnson AA Columbus Astros Southern League Matt Galante A Daytona Beach Astros Florida State League Carlos Alfonso Rookie GCL Astros Blue Gulf Coast League Eric Swanson Rookie GCL Astros Orange Gulf Coast League Lyle Olsen Championships Florida State League champions:https://www.milb.com/news/gcs-41119104 Florida State League champions MiLB.com April 12, 2026 Daytona Beach See also Texas Baseball List of Major League Baseball annual ERA leaders List of Major League Baseball annual triples leaders List of Major League Baseball individual streaks List of Major League Baseball career bases on balls allowed leaders List of Major League Baseball no-hitters Notes "Note" "Compensation" References 2 External links 1981 Houston Astros season at Baseball Reference 1981 Category:1981 Major League Baseball season Houston