J.R. Richard's first major league game was in San Francisco against the Giants in game two of a doubleheader, the Astros won 5-3. For more on this game, you can read "The Saga of J.R. Richard's Debut: Blowing Away 15 Sticks at Candlestick".
Needing three strikeouts in his last start of the season to reach 300 in 1978, on September 28, J.R. faced the Atlanta Braves. In the bottom of the 2nd inning, he struck out Rowland Office to accomplish the feat. He struck out 6 on the day in 5 innings, earning the victory in a 4-3 win.