The New York Mets defeat the St. Louis Cardinals, 5 – 2, at Shea Stadium. The Mets’ Wally Backman, on his 27th birthday, hits his only home run of the season.
Dodger hurler Fernando Valenzuela (20-10) two-hits Houston en route to a 9-2 victory at the Astrodome. The 25 year-old southpaw becomes the first Mexican to win 20 games in the major leagues.
Another rookie, the Phils’ Marvin Freeman wins his first big league game, beating the Mets in New York, 7 – 1. Marvin has another cause for celebration: his daughter Paris is born today.
In his major league debut, San Diego’s Jimmy Jones pitches a one-hitter against the Astros, allowing only a 3rd-inning triple to opposing pitcher Bob Knepper on the way to a 5 – 0 win. He’s the first National League pitcher to debut with a one-hitter since Juan Marichal.
1986 – Tying the National League record for stolen bases in one game, San Diego Padres outfielder Tony Gwynn swipes five bases as the Houston Astros beat San Diego 10 – 6. During his 20-year career, the .338 lifetime hitter will only average 16 stolen bases per season.
Joe Cowley walks seven batters and gives up a run, but the White Sox right-hander no-hits the Angels at Anaheim Stadium, 7-1. The 28 year-old Kentuckian will become the first pitcher in major league history never to win another game after tossing a no-hitter when he is released by the Phillies next season.
Tom Seaver pitches the final game of his career in the major leagues, for the Red Sox against the Blue Jays, a four-inning effort resulting in a loss.
1986 – For the second time in his career, Reggie Jackson belts three homers in a game in an 18 – 3 laugher over Kansas City. At the age of 40 years, four months, Reggie joins Stan Musial and Babe Ruth as the only players to accomplish the feat after turning 40. Reggie scores four times and has seven RBIs
1986 – The Mets clinch the National League East title with a 4 – 2 win over the Cubs at Shea Stadium as Dwight Gooden tosses a six-hitter. The Mets will win 108 games this season, most in the National League since the 1975 Reds.
Bob Brenly, usually a catcher, ties a major league record by making four errors in one inning playing third base. The Giants infielder makes amends by hitting two homers, including the ninth inning game-winner that gives San Francisco a 7-6 walk-off victory over the Atlanta at Candlestick Park.