Hatcher led off the inning with a swinging-bunt single, beating out the throw of Lansford, who was playing back. Davis struck out Mike Marshall and John Shelby before surrendering a two-run homer to Davis on a 3-0 count. The home run was Davis' first since July 17.

The Dodgers increased their lead to 5-1 in the sixth inning against Oakland reliever Gene Nelson, who entered the game in the fifth.

Davis walked with two outs and catcher Rick Dempsey doubled off the right-centerfield wall to score Davis from first.

Game, Set, and Match

The rest was up to Hershiser, who finished out the game and the series for the Dodgers.

The Dodgers pitcher, who finished the year with 59 consecutive scoreless innings--breaking the old record of former Dodger great, Don Drysdale, allowed only two runs in the eighteen innings he pitched in the series. Hershiser also drilled three hits in the Game 2 win.

The Los Angeles star hurler is expected to be named National League Cy Young Award winner and some people expect him to be named National League Most Valuable Player as well.

He was originally nicknamed "The Bulldog" by Los Angeles manager-extraordinaire Tommy Lasorda when he first joined the club. Lasorda was concerned that Hershiser's lack of tenacity might hold him back from challenging hitters with his ability, which Lasorda anticipated could be the best in baseball. In nicknaming Hershiser "The Bulldog," Lasorda hoped to instill that tenacity in his young pitcher.

President Hershiser?

It is evident that if baseball could select the President of the United States, that person would be Orel Hershiser.

However, if baseball has any influence on the election, it seems that Giamatti and Hershiser have made a strong case for another Bulldog to be elected President of the United States.

Great...what else can go wrong for Michael Dukakis?