On October 2, 1976 — Four years before the stroke that ends his career, 26 year-old J.R. Richard becomes Houston’s second twenty-game winner on the last day of the season when he tosses a complete game, 13 strikeout effort in the Astros’ 10-1 victory over San Francisco. James Rodney also enjoys a big day at the plate, going 3-for-4, including a two-run home run. It wraps up an 80-82 season, a 15-1/2 game improvement in Bill Virdon’s first full year at the helm.

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