WATCH: Houston Astros’ pitcher Framber Valdez throws third no-hitter of the year in 2-0 win over Guardians, MLB Twitter reacts
On Tuesday, Houston Astros' pitcher Framber Valdez threw the franchise' 16th no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians. This is the third no-no of the season.
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Framber Valdez (Pic Credit: CBS Sports)
On Tuesday night, the Houston Astros defeated the Cleveland Guardians 2-0. In this win, their starting pitcher Framber Valdez threw the year’s third no-hitter in a dominating performance. The other two instances were the perfect game by Domingo German and the combined no-no by the Detroit Tigers.
This historic moment came hours after the team completed the move to bring back their ace Justin Verlander. Coincidentally Verlander was the last Astros pitcher to produce a no-hitter. The team, however, did record a combined no-hitter in Game 5 of the World Series last year against the Phillies. This feat by Valdez was the 16th time, the reigning world champions had produced a no-hitter.
The season so far had been a poor one according to his usual high standards. The Dominican Republic international had an 8-7 record before this game. He also made another historic record. The Astros’ pitcher was able to collect all 27 outs within 93 pitchers. As per ESPN Stats and Info, this is the third-fewest pitch count of any no-hitter/perfect game.
“He was masterful,” his manager Dusty Baker said. The coach later explained how Valdez and the team both needed it to spark a turnaround in the season. For most of the year, they have been playing chase to their Texan rivals – Texas Rangers.
Twitter reacts as Framber Valdez shines against Guardians
Throwing a no-hitter or a perfect game is a huge task. No matter the size of the opponent, it requires cool composure to get through the whole game without giving up any hits. The Cleveland Guardians are not the type of team right now like they were back during the 2016-19 years. The defending AL Central champions have been largely inconsistent with their performances.
The acquisition of ace Justin Verlander gives the Astros a huge boost. The three-time Cy Young award winner became the 49th different pitcher to claim 250 wins as a pitcher in MLB. Twitter was full of praise for Valdez and joined in the excitement and celebration of this moment. Check out a few of them below.
After the game, Valdez admitted that he was not focused as he had hoped. He added “Today i just came very focused, very positive and just ready to leave it all out on the field,” he said through his translator.
The host would be looking to sweep their rivals and get ready for an intense four-game series. They will travel to New York to take on the struggling Yankees as both teams look to try and find their dangerous form back.
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