The Houston Astros threw the first MLB no-hitter in nearly two years on Monday, and the combined effort handed a struggling pitching staff the kind of sign its season needed.
Houston beat the Texas Rangers 9-0 on May 25th behind a combined no-hitter from Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert and Alimber Santa. The Astros have spent much of the season surviving through pitching injuries, inconsistency and a rough start that left them chasing in the American League West.
The start Houston had been waiting for from Imai
Imai threw the first six innings, working around four walks without allowing a hit before Houston turned it over to the bullpen.
His Astros tenure had been difficult to that point. Imai dealt with right arm fatigue and a tough adjustment after coming over from Japan, and he entered the night with an ERA north of 8.00 and open questions about command and comfort. Six hitless innings gives Houston something to build on.
Alimber Santa’s unforgettable debut
Santa closed out the final two innings to finish the no-hitter in his major league debut, becoming the first pitcher since Bumpus Jones in 1892 to be part of a no-hitter in his MLB debut.
The Astros have been leaning on unexpected pitching help with the staff stretched thin, and Santa announced himself in the loudest possible way.
A mood shift for an injured staff
Houston’s pitching injuries have defined the season. Hunter Brown, Cristian Javier, Ronel Blanco, Josh Hader and others have missed time or carried significant health questions.
The Astros need Imai to be better, they need bullpen depth, and they need signs the staff can keep them close in the division until reinforcements arrive. Monday delivered all three at once.
The AL West still leaves a path
Houston sat at 24-31 after the win, within striking distance in the AL West. The Astros have won four of five and eight of their last 12, which puts the no-hitter on the front end of their best stretch of the season.
More than history
This was the first MLB no-hitter since the Cubs’ combined effort against the Pirates on Sept. 4, 2024. The practical read for Houston runs deeper than the record book. Imai looked like a pitcher the Astros can trust again, Okert bridged the middle, Santa introduced himself, and the lineup added nine runs of support. For one night, Houston looked like a team capable of turning the season back toward the race.
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