On Wednesday, in a resounding victory of 7-0 for the team at Washington Nationals, Philadelphia Phillies’ pitcher Michael Lorenzen threw a no-hitter.
The 31-year-old Lorenzen, who was making his second start for the Phillies and had been traded from the Detroit Tigers earlier this month during the trading deadline, achieved a career-high by dismissing five batters at home, scoring four runs.
In the eighth inning, with 111 pitches, Lorenzen returned to the Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia amidst thunderous applause from the crowd. He first got two batters out with groundouts and strikeouts, and then sent the Nationals’ first baseman, Dominic Smith, to Philis center fielder Johan Rojas for the final out.
After the end of the game, amidst celebrations at home plate, Lorenzen was welcomed by his teammates. His mother, wife, and children were also present to witness this historic performance.
Lorenzen had been named an All-Star for the first time in his career this season and now holds a 2-0 record with the Phillies. His ERA stands at 3.28 with a 7-7 overall record. He has also pitched for the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Angels during his nine-year career.
This is the 14th no-hitter in the history of the Phillies franchise and their first since 2015 when Cole Hamels threw one against the Chicago Cubs.
This is also the fourth no-hitter of this season, with the last no-hitter occurring on August 2 when Framber Valdez of the Houston Astros held the Cleveland Guardians hitless.