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Aug. 2 (UPI) — In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Framber Valdez achieved the 321st no-hitter in MLB history, propelling the Houston Astros to a shutout victory over the Cleveland Guardians in Houston.
Valdez dominated the game, throwing 93 pitches, 65 of which were strikes. He faced 27 batters, allowing no hits or runs, as the Astros secured a 2-0 win at Minute Maid Park. With this outstanding performance, Valdez lowered his season ERA from 3.29 to an impressive 3.07. This exceptional showing came after a tough stretch where he recorded a 7.00 ERA in his previous five appearances.
“Obviously, I had a couple of rough starts before this one, and, for me, the biggest thing was to continue working hard, maintaining my focus, and believing that I would regain my previous form,” expressed Valdez during the post-match press conference.
Valdez becomes only the second pitcher this season to throw a solo no-hitter, joining Domingo German of the New York Yankees, who achieved a perfect game in June.
The left-handed pitcher began the game by retiring the first twelve Guardians batters in order. The Astros managed to score the only two runs of the game when Kyle Tucker, the right fielder, delivered a crucial two-run single to center field in the third inning.
Valdez’s only walk of the game came in the top of the fifth inning when he allowed Guardians designated hitter Oscar Gonzalez to reach first base. However, Valdez quickly rebounded and went on to retire the next 14 batters consecutively. He forced first baseman David Fry to fly out after facing Gonzalez, and then induced a double play from Guardians right fielder Will Brennan. Valdez recorded just one strikeout in the final five innings.
With Guardians catcher Cam Gallagher lining out to end the bottom of the ninth, Valdez secured the 16th no-hitter in Astros history, etching his name in the record books.
The Houston Astros, with a current record of 61-47, will face the Cleveland Guardians (53-55) in the series finale at 2:10 p.m. EDT on Wednesday in Houston.
