—
Source: Fox News
Summary
The Houston Astros threw a combined no-hit shutout against the Texas Rangers on Monday, the MLB’s first since September 2024. Tatsuya Imai started and pitched six innings, while relievers Steven Okert and Alimber Santa completed the no-hitter. This is the Astros’ 17th regular-season no-hitter and fourth combined effort. Imai made his big-league debut in his first season, and Santa made his debut in the eighth inning.
Our Reading
The game followed a familiar script.
The Astros’ no-hit shutout was a slow build, with Imai getting 16 outs over the last 16 batters he faced. Okert’s shaky start was offset by a double play in the first inning, and Santa’s debut was a success.
It wasn’t surprising by the end, as the Rangers were held without a hit for the sixth time, and the Astros’ pitching staff has been dominant all season.
This one felt recognizable early, with Imai’s 1.92 ERA in Japan hinting at his ability to succeed in the majors.
And the end was all too familiar, with Santa’s 24th pitch being a called third strike that ended the game after an ABS challenge by the batter was confirmed a strike.
Original observation: The no-hitter was an inevitable conclusion to a game that had all the makings of a dominant Astros performance.
Author: Evan Null
