In his first major league at-bat, Dorian Boyland strikes out sitting on the bench. The Pirate rookie is removed with a 1-2 count when the Mets make a pitching change and pinch hitter Rennie Stennett takes the third strike.

Behind Ron Guidry’s 20th win, the Yankees take the first game against Detroit, 9 – 1. New York scores eight in the 7th. Detroit wins the second, 5 – 4, to keep New York five games behind Boston.

At Dodger Stadium, Lee Mazzilli becomes the first Mets player to hit a home run from both sides of the plate in a game. The center fielder’s first and seventh inning blasts, respectively hit off southpaw Tommy John and right-hander Charlie Hough, pace the last-place club to an 8-5 victory.

1978 – Making his major league debut‚ Oriole Sammy Stewart fans 7 consecutive batters en route to a 9 – 3 win over the White Sox.