Smith outlasted relievers like Joe Sambito and Frank DiPino to become Houston's bullpen ace and the Astros' all-time saves and games-pitched leader. In his only major league start (1982), Smith committed three balks. He became Houston's closer in 1985, with 27 saves in 31 opportunities. In 1986 Smith set a Houston record with 33 saves and was a member of the All-Star team. After allowing a home run to Darryl Strawberry of the Mets on July 19, 1986, Smith did not allowed another until Len Dykstra's game-winning blow in the ninth inning of the third game of the LCS. In the decisive sixth game, won by New York in 16 innings, Smith surrendered two walks and a game-tying sacrifice fly in the ninth. (Smith consistently had trouble with the Mets.) The following season, he did not allow any home runs.
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»October 11, 1986:
Len Dykstra's 2-run home run off Dave Smith with one out in the bottom of the 9th gives the Mets a 6–5 win over the Astros and a 2-1 lead in the NLCS.
»September 1, 1987:
In a 3–2 loss to the Cubs, Houston's Billy Hatcher becomes the first player this season to be ejected for using an illegal corked bat, and will eventually be suspended for 10 games by National League president Bart Giamatti. Hatcher claims he borrowed the bat from P Dave Smith and only used it in batting practice. Baseball has seen a rash of protests regarding allegedly doctored bats this season, partly in response to the record number of home runs being hit.
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