What happened today in team history?
1965 – A sad goodbye for Ken Johnson
A three-run, inside-the-park home run caused by the ball getting caught in the sunlight helped cap off a San Francisco Giants 5-2 win in the final game for Houston Astros pitcher Ken Johnson. Later that day, he found out he was traded to the Braves, who were in their final season in Milwaukee, for outfielder Lee Maye.
1988 – Nature helps out
Heading into the ninth inning up 3-0 over the Pittsburgh Pirates, the game gets called after dirt and debris are swept onto the field due to heavy winds blowing all around Pittsburgh. Astros starter Mike Scott gets the win, throwing eight innings of scoreless ball.
2008 – Jose Valverde day
Even after two home runs from Astros outfielder Hunter Pence helps the Astros to a 4-3 win over the Philadelphia Phillies, all the spotlights are on Astros pitcher Jose Valverde, who during the game took a line drive to the face and still stayed in to notch his 15th save of the season, one where he would end up leading the league in saves.
2015 – McCullers first win
A 5-4-3 triple play helped fuel the Astros to a 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers to help give new rookie pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. his first big-league win. This came in just his second MLB outing, his first being on the 18th, getting a no-decision in Oakland.
What else happened on this day?
1904
A 1-1 game between the Giants and Chicago Cubs is called a tie in the 11th inning due to the Giants needing to catch a train on time.
1989
Kansas City Royals star and Oakland Raiders running back Bo Jackson hits a monster 461-foot home run off Nolan Ryan.