Framber Valdez threw the sixteenth no-hitter in Houston Astros historical past in a 2-0 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday night time.
Hours after the Astros reacquired ace Justin Verlander from the New York Mets, Valdez allowed only one baserunner on a stroll within the fifth inning, however nonetheless confronted the minimal due to a double play in that body.
Gabriel Arias grounded out to start out the ninth earlier than Myles Straw lined out to centre subject. Cam Gallagher then lined out to Jeremy Pena to finish it and set off the celebration.
Valdez (9-7) raised his arms above his head after which clapped as an enormous smile crossed his face. He is the primary left-hander to throw a no-hitter for Houston.
Framber Valdez is the primary lefty in <a href=”https://twitter.com/astros?ref_src=twsrcpercent5Etfw”>@Astros</a> historical past to throw a no-hitter. <a href=”https://t.co/8uspLTGXS0″>pic.twitter.com/8uspLTGXS0</a>
—@MLB
The 29-year-old from the Dominican Republic had pitched 5 full video games, together with two full recreation shutouts earlier than Tuesday’s gem.
The no-hitter was the third within the majors this season. New York Yankees right-hander Domingo German pitched an ideal recreation at Oakland on June 28, and Matt Manning, Alex Lange and Jason Foley of the Detroit Tigers threw a mixed no-no towards Toronto on July 8.
It is Houston’s first no-hitter within the common season since Cristian Javier, Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly mixed to no-hit the Yankees on June 25, 2022, and the primary by a single pitcher since Verlander towards Toronto on Sept. 1, 2019.
Valdez retired the primary 12 batters, with six strikeouts. Arias grounded out to start out the sixth earlier than a lineout by Straw. Gallagher then grounded out to finish the sixth.
Valdez retired all threw batters within the seventh on groundouts. The primary two have been routine. However Valdez deflected a excessive chopper hit by Jose Ramirez and Pena’s throw to first barely beat Ramirez there for the third out.
Valdez struck out Gonzalez to start out the eighth and retired David Fry and Will Brennan on groundouts to finish the inning.
Valdez threw 93 pitches, with 65 strikes.
The robust begin comes after he allowed eight hits and 6 runs — each season highs — in 3 2/3 innings of a 13-5 loss to Texas in his final outing.