Josh Beckett throws no-hitter against Philadelphia Phillies
By Hayden Kane
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.
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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.