Tim Anderson’s clutch play might’ve saved Lucas Giolito’s no-hitter (Video)

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson preserved pitcher Lucas Giolito’s no-hitter with a tough throw to first on a ground ball.

White Sox star shortstop Tim Anderson preserved teammate Lucas Giolito’s no-hitter in the top of the seventh inning of Tuesday night’s game, scooping up a ground ball and making a timely throw across his body to cut off Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds at first base.

The out was crucial to keeping Giolito’s no-hitter alive, with the 2019 All-Star finishing off Pittsburgh two innings later. The 26-year-old was nearly perfect on Tuesday night, with 13 strikeouts and just one base on balls. Anderson’s play, however, quelled the biggest threat to Giolito’s accomplishment.

Anderson has a penchant for making spectacular throws, and he could not have chosen a better time to uncork such an accurate throw across his body. The 27-year-old is one of baseball’s rising stars at the shortstop position and is also one of the league’s best hitters.

Tim Anderson and Lucas Gioltio have helped power the White Sox’s hot start

Anderson won the batting title in 2019 with a .335 average and has somehow posted a higher figure in 2020, posting a .349 average. With continued improvement, he could be named an All-Star in the very near future.

Giolito’s dominant performance helped the White Sox improve to 18-12, just a game and a half behind the Minnesota Twins for the AL Central lead. With a promising young roster, Chicago seems to have finally returned to contention in 2020.

After starting 10-10, the South Siders have won eight of their last 10 games. Giolito improved to 3-2 as a starter with the no-hitter, boasting a 3.09 ERA. Tuesday’s start was the first career no-hitter for the Chicago ace, and should properly introduce him to casual fans.

Giolito was spectacular in 2019, earning a 14-9 record and finishing sixth in AL Cy Young voting, per Baseball-Reference. He has followed up that performance by outpacing his 2019 stats, albeit in a shortened season.