Well, that's one way to shut everyone up about Albert Pujols and his lack of homers.
A good way to start erasing the memory of the Angels' lackluster April, too.
Jered Weaver became the latest member of the no-hitter club by turning in nine dominating innings in a 9-o win against the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night. In doing so, he helped the team complete a sweep of the Twins while authoring a special moment in front of the southern California fans that he grew up among. Weaver is the second pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the major leagues this season. He joins Phil Humber of the White Sox, a fellow 2004 first-round draft pick who threw a perfect game against the Mariners on April 2o.
Despite experiencing a good deal of success throughout his career, Weaver had never experienced a close-call with a no-hitter before. His lowest hit total through nine previous complete games was three, recorded against the Blue Jays on May 7, 2009.
But that changed on Wednesday as Weaver struck out nine batters from the Twins' punchless lineup with a seventh-inning walk to Josh Willingham counting as his only blemish. His ninth inning was so quick and seemed so inevitable that his father was able to calmly drink a beer throughout the drama (or lack thereof). Jamey Carroll popped up to lead off the inning, Denard Span struck out and Alexi Casilla flied out to the warning track in right to seal the bid.
Though the Angels went 21 years without throwing a no-hitter, they've now seen two in less than a year as Ervin Santana no-hit the Cleveland Indians last July 27. Angels pitchers have thrown 10 no-hitters in franchise history — four of them coming from Nolan Ryan.
At only 29 years old, Weaver could make a dent in Ryan's mark, perhaps as even as early as his next start when he's coincidentally expected to face the Minnesota Twins at Target Field.
Did somebody say Johnny Vander Weaver?
Want more baseball fun all season long?
Follow @bigleaguestew, @KevinKaduk and the BLS Facebook page!
No comments:
Post a Comment