Justin Verlander made history with a dominant no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday.
Verlander walked Cavan Biggio, the second hitter of the game, and then proceeded to retire the next 26 batters in a row en route to his third career no-hitter. By throwing his third no-hitter, Verlander joins a club that includes just six pitchers in the history of the game: Nolan Ryan (7), Sandy Koufax (4), Bob Feller (3), Cy Young (3) and Larry Corcoran (3). Young and Corcoran all did it in 1908 or earlier.
Verlander knew his place in history was special.
“I’d be lying if I said I didn’t know the list of guys who’ve thrown three instead of two gets pretty small,” Verlander said after the game. “It’s some of the guys I idolize. It’s a special moment.”
This was Verlander’s second career no-hitter against the Blue Jays. He did it May 7, 2011 in Toronto while a member of the Tigers. His first career no-hitter came with the Tigers in 2007 against Milwaukee.
Verlander was as close to perfect as you can get without being perfect. He struck out 14 and allowed no runs in a 2-0 win. He got a boost from Abraham Toro, who homered in the top of the ninth to make Verlander’s 9-inning no-hitter possible.
The 36-year-old Houston Astros starter is now 17-5 with a 2.56 ERA and a leading contender to win his second Cy Young award.
