The 1980 Los Angeles Dodgers finished the season in second place in the Western Division of the National League, one game behind the Houston Astros. After the 162-game regular season, the Dodgers and Astros were tied in first place in the Western Division. The two teams faced off in a 1-game playoff on 6 October 1980 at Dodger Stadium, which the Astros won 7–1 behind a complete-game victory by pitcher Joe Niekro. Don Sutton set a Dodger record with his 52nd career shutout this season and the Dodgers also hosted the All-Star game for the first time.