The Houston Astros ended Major League Baseball's no-hitter drought with a combined no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on Monday, winning 9-0 at Globe Life Field. It was the first no-hitter since September 2024, a span of 629 days.
Astros pitchers combine for historic feat
Starter Tatsuya Imai pitched six hitless innings, overcoming a shaky first inning where he walked three batters. The 27-year-old Japanese right-hander found his rhythm, retiring 15 of the next 16 hitters he faced. He finished with four walks and two strikeouts.
Reliever Steven Okert took over in the seventh inning, walking the leadoff batter before being replaced by Alimber Santa, who was making his MLB debut. Santa recorded the final six outs to complete the no-hitter, the 18th in Astros franchise history.
Debutant makes history
Santa became only the second pitcher in MLB history to throw a no-hitter in his debut, joining Bumpus Jones, who accomplished the feat for the Cincinnati Reds in 1892. After the game, Santa said, "I don't know how to explain this, what I'm experiencing. Just warming up, I knew a no-hitter was going on. I was just focusing on throwing strikes and competing."
Astros manager Joe Espada praised his team's effort. "In the first inning, I never thought that was going to be the outcome of the game. I tip my hat to Imai. He pitched. He continued to compete," Espada said.
Near no-hitters earlier this season
Two other teams had taken no-hitters into the ninth inning this year but failed to complete them. On April 16, Cleveland Guardians left-hander Parker Messick lost a no-hitter leading off the ninth against the Baltimore Orioles. On May 19, Athletics right-hander J.T. Ginn lost a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels, also leading off the ninth.
The last Astros no-hitter before Monday was thrown by Ronel Blanco against the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1, 2024. The combined no-hitter marks a significant achievement for a team that has struggled with pitching injuries this season.
