MLB Weekly Digest: Astros Toss 14th Combined No-Hitter in MLB History

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The last week in MLB was about a team in the American League making history, a starting pitcher in the National League reaches a significant milestone, and a division leader places a key player on the injured list.

🚨 THE @ASTROS THROW A COMBINED NO-NO 🚨 pic.twitter.com/SPpNQCHZrd

— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2019

Houston Astros Toss 14^th Combined No-Hitter in MLB History Against Seattle Mariners

The Houston Astros had a very memorable game on Saturday night against the Seattle Mariners, as four pitchers tossed the 14^th combined no-hitter in MLB history, per Yahoo Sports MLB.

Aaron Sanchez.
Will Harris.
Joe Biagini.
Chris Devenski.

4 pitchers. 0 hits allowed.

The Astros throw the 14th combined no-hitter in MLB history. pic.twitter.com/jt9vCFcmx4

— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) August 4, 2019

Aaron Sanchez blanked the Mariners for six innings, then relievers Will Harris, Joe Biagini, and Chris Devenski finished off the last three frames.

History in Houston.

(MLB x @YouTubeTV) pic.twitter.com/fzBPpIKWcz

— MLB (@MLB) August 4, 2019

This was extremely special as it was the first start for Sanchez with the Astros, who was acquired at the trade deadline.

The right-hander made history, as he became the first pitcher to toss six-plus innings and not allow a hit in a debut following a midseason trade since Greg Maddux achieved the feat with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Aug. 3, 2006, per Stats by STATS.

In his @astros debut, Aaron Sanchez threw 6.0 innings without allowing a hit before being removed from the game.

He's the 1st pitcher to throw 6.0+ innings and not allow a hit in his debut with a team after a midseason trade since Greg Maddux did so for the Dodgers on 8/3/2006.

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 4, 2019

Sanchez is just the second pitcher ever (Mark Langston, 1990) to be part of a combined no-hitter in his first start with a team, per MLB Stats.

Aaron Sanchez is just the 2nd pitcher ever (Mark Langston, 1990) to be part of a combined no-hitter in his 1st start with a team.

(h/t: @StatsbySTATS) pic.twitter.com/LLdo7mNKJE

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) August 4, 2019

This was the 12^th no-hitter in Astros history and the first since Mike Fiers fired a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2015, per Brian McTaggart of MLB.com.

The no-hitter was the 12th in Astros history and first since Mike Fiers no-hit the Dodgers in 2015. It was the club’s second combined no-hitter. The other came on June 11, 2003 when Roy Oswalt, Pete Muro, Kirk Saarloos, Brad Lidge, Octavio Dotel and Billy Wagner did it at NYY.

— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) August 4, 2019

The Mariners have been victims of a combined no-hitter twice this season, as the Los Angeles Angels did it to them in July.

They’re the 14th team to get no-hit twice in the same year since the Dodgers and New York Mets in 2015, per Greg Johns of MLB.com.

https://twitter.com/GregJohnsMLB/status/1158022296671588353

The club not only has been on the wrong end of two combined no-hitters in 2019, but both have been by at least nine runs. The largest losses in any combined no-hitter ever, per ESPN Stats & Info.

The @astros have pulled off the combined no-hitter vs the Mariners.

Mariners have been on the losing end of two combined no-hitter this season and both have been by at least 9 runs.

The largest losses in any combined no-hitters ever. pic.twitter.com/Fs8XRyj6BT

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) August 4, 2019

Sanchez was having a rough 2019 season, as he entered this outing with a 3-14 record and 6.07 ERA in 23 starts.

However, he appears to be a much different pitcher with the Astros, and that’s a scary proposition for other teams in the American League.

Los Angeles Dodgers Starting Pitcher Clayton Kershaw Passes Legend Sandy Koufax on Dodgers Strikeout List

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw has reached another significant milestone.

2,397 Ks. @ClaytonKersh22 moves ahead of Sandy Koufax for third all-time in franchise history with his 2,397th career strikeout. pic.twitter.com/oOmDiVE9Ng

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 2, 2019

In his start last Thursday against the San Diego Padres, he passed Dodgers legend Sandy Koufax for third on the team’s all-time strikeout list with 2,397 strikeouts.

Kershaw just trails Don Sutton (2,696) and Don Drysdale (2,486) for the top spot on the Dodgers all-time strikeout list.

Koufax, who was enshrined in Cooperstown in 1972 was an exceptional pitcher and had a fantastic career with the Dodgers, especially the last five seasons.

Clayton Kershaw: 2397 Ks
Sandy Koufax: 2396 Ks pic.twitter.com/nkUKmYExBo

— MLB (@MLB) August 2, 2019

Kershaw has had a Hall-of-Fame career, considering the left-hander has won multiple Cy Young Awards, won an MVP, and led the NL in wins and ERA numerous times.

Strikeout No. 2,397 was special. Congrats @ClaytonKersh22! pic.twitter.com/QH6gPJy4b0

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) August 2, 2019

Kershaw has a terrific chance to be the Dodgers’ all-time leader in strikeouts, providing he can stay healthy.

New York Yankees Place Designated Hitter Edwin Encarnacion on Injured List with Fractured Wrist

The New York Yankees have been dealt another significant loss as they placed first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion on the injured list Saturday with a fractured wrist.

Prior to game 2 of today’s doubleheader, the Yankees placed 1B/DH Edwin Encarnación on the 10-day IL with a right wrist fracture and recalled 1B Mike Ford (#74) from @swbrailriders.

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 3, 2019

He was hit by a pitch on the wrist during Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox.

Encarnacion hopes to be back within three weeks but was told his wrist will take between three to five weeks to heal, per Bryan Hoch of MLB.com.

Edwin Encarnacion said he hopes to be back in three weeks. He said that he was told it will take 3-5 weeks.

— Bryan Hoch ⚾️ (@BryanHoch) August 4, 2019

Encarnacion has a .223 batting average and .801 OPS in 35 games for the Yankees with nine home runs and 25 RBIs.

The team will miss Encarnacion while on the IL, as the veteran has been a source of power in their lineup.

The Yankees have placed several key players on the IL in 2019 but have managed to overcome adversity.

The club has been remarkably resilient, as the injuries haven’t impacted their performance on the baseball diamond, considering they’re one of two teams in the AL with at least 70 wins.

About Post Author

Chris Lacey

Chris is a New Jersey native whose favorite sports team is the Arizona Diamondbacks. He previously attended Western New England College to study Sports Management. Chris has been following the Diamondbacks since he was 12. You can find him on Twitter at @aecanada12.

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