On September 17 and 18, 1997, the Los Angeles Dodgers came to San Francisco to play a two-game series at Candlestick Park. The Dodgers were leading the National League West with a record of 84–67. The Giants were in 2nd place with a record of 82–69; 2 games behind. The Giants won the first game 2–1 behind lefty Kirk Rueter. In that contest, Barry Bonds hit a two-run homer in the first inning for the Giants, while Raúl Mondesí hit a solo shot in the fifth for the Dodgers. Beck did not pitch in the game.