On August 3, 1962 (a Friday), Don Drysdale gave up four hits to the first five batters on the Chicago Cubs, and the Dodgers trailed 3-0 after the first half inning.
The Dodgers quickly rallied against Cal Koonce (the woeful Cubs' most successful starter thus far in '62 and by the end of the third inning had taken a 4-3 lead. Drysdale allowed only five more hits (and no more run the rest of the way, and the Dodgers used the double steal in the fourth (including Maury Wills' steal of home) to chase Koonce and pad their lead.
Wills scored three times and stole two bases, bringing his season total to 54 (that's right, he would then steal 50 bases in the next 55 games to break Ty Cobb's record). Willie Davis had four hits and two RBIs.
Drysdale's route-going performance was his 20th win of the year. His won-loss record at this point was 20-4. Final score: Dodgers 8, Cubs 3.
AT Candlestick, Juan Marichal had one more ineffective start for the Giants and was chased from the game in the fourth by the Pittsburgh Pirates after surrendering a two-run homer to journeyman outfielder Howie Goss (subbing for Roberto Clemente). Pirates rightyAl McBean was not sharp, surrendering seven hits in 5 1/3 innings, but the Giants could not produce with men in scoring position (0 for 5) and squandered several opportunities to get back into the game.
The Pirates amassed a total of 16 hits, with only Dick Groat among those in their starting lineup not having at least two hits. Roy Face picked up his 19th save for Pittsburgh. Final score: Pirates 5, Giants 3. (With the loss, the Giants fell behind the Dodgers by five games for the first time during the '62 season.)
SEASON RECORDS: LAD 73-36, SFG 68-41
