Josh Beckett of the Los Angeles Dodgers has added his name to the record books and has added another accolade to his decorated professional career.
It took 128 pitches and a grind in the final inning, but Beckett was able to finish the deal and throw a no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. The Dodgers won the game 6-0.
More from Los Angeles Dodgers
- Shohei Ohtani trade rumors live tracker: Every update so far
- After frantic trade day, Kiké Hernandez grateful for second chance with Dodgers
- This White Sox-Dodgers trade for bullpen help could lead to LA reunion
- MLB Trade Grades: Dodgers reunite with familiar face in Red Sox deal
- MLB Rumors: Cardinals budging on Arenado, Orioles-Ohtani package, Yankees backup plan
Beckett walked three and struck out six hitters en route to the no-no, the first for the Dodgers in almost 20 years. The last came in 1996 when Hideo Nomo no-hit the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field, an accomplishment that stands on its own in its impressiveness. It was the first no-no of Beckett’s career.
This is the first no-hitter of 2014, with Yu Darvish of the Texas Rangers, Jon Lester of the Boston Red Sox, and Chris Sale of the Chicago White Sox among the guys to chase a no-no into the late innings of a start so far this season.
This was the first time that the Phillies have been no-hit at home since 1978.
Beckett certainly did not make things easy on himself or his manager Don Mattingly. Nibbling with off-speed stuff and working deep counts in the last couple innings, Beckett put Jimmy Rollins on first in the 9th inning with a two-out walk. He followed that up by falling behind Chase Utley 3-1 before coming back and striking out the second baseman looking to record the final out of the game.
The no-hitter comes in the midst of a career resurgence for Beckett. He entered Sunday’s start with a 2.89 ERA through eight starts this season to go along with a 1.16 WHIP and a 8.9 K/9 mark. Some people will monitor Beckett’s next couple starts to look for any ill-effects of throwing 130 pitches, but ultimately this looks like a fine accomplishment for a veteran pitcher who is enjoying a fine season.