Tigers pitcher Spencer Turnbull threw a no-hitter while you were sleeping

Spencer Turnbull throws the fifth no-hitter of the MLB season so far. It’s only mid-May.

Turnbull’s no-no was the first for the Detroit Tigers since 2011. That, of course, was Justin Verlander in a 9-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. Overall, it was the eighth no-no in franchise history.

Turnbull served as an unlikely hero on Tuesday night in Seattle. The Tigers have struggled all season, but a recent surge has them 6-4 in their last ten games, and performing quite admirably on a recent road trip. On a team made up of primarily young talent, including the likes of Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal in the rotation, it’s Turnbull who gave Tigers fans something to celebrate.

Tigers: Spencer Turnbull had some help throwing his no-hitter

Turnbull hit the corners almost exclusively all night, but in the seventh inning Jeimer Candelario’s web gem saved him a chance at history. A liner from Mitch Haniger to third base had left field written all over it. Instead, Candelario picked it out on a short hop, and delivered a fastball to first base.

Candelario also had two RBIs on the night.

Turnbull’s no-hitter is the fifth in just 41 days. It speaks to the struggles of hitters across baseball, as the combined league average is just over .230.

Tigers catcher Eric Haase deserves a lot of credit as well. With Wilson Ramos on the injured list, Haase was recently signed and brought a veteran presence to a young pitching staff.

Nonetheless, it’s the right-hander Turnbull who adds his name to history. The Mariners team batting average is under the Mendoza line as of Tuesday night. Turnbull took advantage of that.

The Tigers won’t have many highlights this year, if we’re being direct. Turnbull delivering a no-no is their World Series. For fans, it’s another notch in the Tigers’ rebuild and hopefully a sign things or heading in the right direction.

Turnbull’s final line: 9 innings pitched, no hits allows, 2 walks and 9 strikeouts.