Cristian Javier did his best Nolan Ryan impersonation on Wednesday night.
Houston Astros relievers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly came in throwing smoke.
The result: the Astros no-hit the Philadelphia Phillies in World Series Game 4, winning 5-0 to even the World Series at 2-2.
HISTORY MADE.
The @astros are only the second team in MLB history to throw a #WorldSeries no-hitter! pic.twitter.com/xFGB6VaCdo
— MLB (@MLB) November 3, 2022
Here's the Houston radio call of the Astros completing a no-hitter in Game 4. ⚾️🎙️#WorldSeries https://t.co/7rM5i2RY9V
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 3, 2022
It’s only the second no-hitter in World Series history. New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen tossed a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series.
Javier dominated from the start, pitching six hitless innings before leaving after 97 pitches. It’s the first time in 53 years a pitcher has had a no-hitter through six innings in the World Series. Jerry Koosman pulled the feat in Game 2 of the 1969 World Series.
While he didn’t get a chance to go the distance, Javier struck out nine and walked two, throwing 63 strikes. Abreu, Montero, and Pressly pitched one inning apiece and struck out a combined five batters.
It’s the second time this season Javier has been part of a combined no-hitter. The 25-year-old pitcher combined with Pressly and Héctor Neris to no-hit the New York Yankees on June 25.
The baseball world – minus Phillies fans — celebrated the historic achievement on Twitter.
WE HAVE NO HIT THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES IN THE #WORLDSERIES. SAID. pic.twitter.com/aLrAfkmHox
— Houston Astros (@astros) November 3, 2022
Cristian Javier has the 1st individual no-hit bid of 6+ IP in a World Series game since Jerry Koosman in 1969 WS G2 (6 IP bid)
— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) November 3, 2022
I get it, pitch counts and whatever, but if they pull him from the chance to PITCH A NO HITTER IN THE WORLD SERIES, something is wrong with baseball.
— keepfischin.eth (@keepfischin) November 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/TorronMiguel/status/1587997050817445889
Ace and he's our 4th pitcher
— MoCity (@MOClTY) November 3, 2022
Ryan Pressly closed out both of the Astros' combined no hitters this season.
No reliever had ever participated in multiple combined no-hitters in their career, let alone finish both. pic.twitter.com/9X1sAl14bs
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 3, 2022
Active pitchers to start multiple no-hitters:
Justin Verlander
Cristian Javier
Max Scherzer— Jeremy Frank (@MLBRandomStats) November 3, 2022
Game 5 is Thursday night in Philadelphia at 8:03 p.m.
About Arthur Weinstein
Arthur spends his free time traveling around the U.S. to sporting events, state and national parks, and in search of great restaurants off the beaten path.