 In 1976, Patterson was impressive, going 9–2 with a 2.44 ERA at Double-A West Haven Yankees, and throwing the only no-hitter of the Eastern League season on June 28 against the Williamsport Tomahawks.He gained a promotion to Triple-A Syracuse Chiefs, where he was 7–2 with a 2.92 ERA.Overall, he went 16–4 with a 2.44 ERA in the two stints, including two shutouts and 12 complete games over 23 starts in 177.0 innings.