Dierker came into the game with a record of 7-8, carrying an earned run average above 4.00, but he had his A-game going as he proceeded to strikeout eight batters against four walks.
He even helped his own cause with a sacrifice fly, contributing to the six runs that led to a 6-0 victory just days after the nation’s Bicentennial celebration.
The 29-year-old was already in his twelfth season in the Big Leagues, all with the Houston organization, and would finish the season with a record of 13-14 along with an ERA at 3.69 over 28 appearances, all starts, with four shutouts and seven complete games.
He’d finish his playing career the following year, with the St. Louis Cardinals, going 2-6 with a 4.58 ERA over 11 appearances before retiring with a record of 139-123 with a very nice 3.31 ERA over 356 games and 2333.2 innings pitched.