The Dodgers would stay flat after their deflating loss on August 11, entering into the roughest patch of play they would experience until their September swan dive. They would lose nine of thirteen games, giving back most of the lead they'd built up at the end of July. They would rally from a similar setback early in September, winning seven games in a row in what might well be the most riveting portion of the '62 season, where they and the Giants, separated by just a half-game in the standings, match wins for four days until SF blinked and LA was able to regain a more sizable lead (only to squander it in the last week of the season).
Sunday, August 12, 1962 was barely a contest. The Dodgers tied the score at 1-1 in the top of the fourth when Ron Fairly homered off Juan Marichal, but that was all the offense they could muster that day. Felipe Alou triggered three Giant rallies and scored three runs as the bottom of the SF batting order (sans Jim Davenport--Harvey Kuenn was moved to third base and Felipe's brother Matty took over in left)--came through with run-scoring hits.
Stan Williams pitched reasonably well for the Dodgers, but he (and they) were no match for Marichal, who struck out eight and was dominant throughout. Juan's Game Score for this game was a very solid 82, and QMAX grades the start at 1, 1--a game with excellent hit and walk prevention. Final score: Giants 5, Dodgers 1.
SEASON RECORDS: LAD 79-40, SFG 76-42
