Framber Valdez throws sixteenth no-hitter in Astros historical past in 2-0 victory over Guardians

HOUSTON — 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 begin the ninth earlier than Myles Straw lined out to heart discipline. 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.

The 29-year-old from the Dominican Republic had pitched 5 full video games, together with two full sport shutouts earlier than Tuesday’s gem.

The no-hitter was the third within the majors this season. New York Yankees right-hander Domingo Germán pitched an ideal sport 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’s 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.

Javier additionally began a mixed no-hitter in Game 4 of final 12 months’s World Series towards the Phillies on Nov. 2, 2022. Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Pressly additionally pitched in that sport.

Kyle Tucker offered the offense on this one with a two-run single within the third inning.

Valdez retired the primary 12 batters, with six strikeouts, earlier than Oscar Gonzalez walked to open the fifth. But Valdez nonetheless confronted the minimal in that inning due to that double play.

Arias grounded out to begin 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 first two had been routine. But Valdez deflected a excessive chopper hit by José Ramírez and Pena’s throw to first barely beat Ramírez there for the third out.

Valdez struck out Gonzalez to begin 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.

Jake Meyers singled to begin Houston’s third however was caught stealing after Martín Maldonado struck out.

Jose Altuve singled and Jeremy Peña walked earlier than a wild pitch by Williams allowed each runners to advance a base.

Tucker then singled to heart discipline to ship each runners dwelling and put the Astros up 2-0.

Cleveland’s rookie starter Gavin Williams (1-3) allowed 4 hits and two runs in 5 innings for the loss.

Josh Bell was initially in Cleveland’s lineup Tuesday however was scratched after the staff made a late deal to ship him to Miami for infielder Jean Segura and infield prospect Kahlil Watson.

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