Welcome to the no-hitter club, Ervin Santana. The hard-throwing LA Angels righty delivered his first career no-hitter, ending a 27-year drought by the club, and notching the ninth in team history. The historic 3–1 victory over the Cleveland Indians was also the first no-hitter at Progressive Field, the Indians home stadium.
The victory was Santana’s first against the Indians during his career. During the on-field post-game interview, which aired on the Angels website, Santana was doused by his teammates with a cold bucket of water. Unfazed, he continued the interview, “It’s very special because I never get a win against this team. I will have to enjoy it.”
The Indians managed to score one run in the loss, an unusual feat during a no-hitter. Indians leadoff man, Ezequiel Carrera reached safely on an error by Angels shortstop Erick Aybar. He then stole second, and moved to third when Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to second. Santana then threw a wild pitch, and Carrera scored, giving the Indians a 1–0 lead.
The Angels tacked on a run each in the fifth, sixth, and ninth, giving Santana the 3–1 victory.
Santana became emotional after the game, discussing what it meant to him, “I just want to dedicate this no-hitter to my cousin. He passed away.” The pitcher made a trip to the Dominican Republic last month to bury his cousin.
Santana was the least likely candidate from the Angels starters to pitch a no hitter. Most would have pegged Jered Weaver, or Dan Haren, as both of them have better numbers on the season. Santana brought his best stuff, however, dominating with his fastball and slider.
Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said on the team website, “Ervin’s fastball command was as good as I’ve seen since he’s been in the big leagues. He pitched inside well. Those guys had a beautiful game plan, from Pitch 1 to 105. Part of that is you’re looking for that cherry on top, and Ervin delivered it.”
Santana had a no-hitter going into the sixth during his last start against Baltimore on July 22, but ended up giving up three hits in 7.2 innings.
The Angles have now won six of their last eight and remain 2.5 games back of division leader Texas Rangers. Santana reminded Angels fan to keep the faith as they begin the final push of the season: “Thank you for the support and keep pushing for us. We are going to do better.”
Follow Kristen on Twitter @Call2theBullpen
The victory was Santana’s first against the Indians during his career. During the on-field post-game interview, which aired on the Angels website, Santana was doused by his teammates with a cold bucket of water. Unfazed, he continued the interview, “It’s very special because I never get a win against this team. I will have to enjoy it.”
The Indians managed to score one run in the loss, an unusual feat during a no-hitter. Indians leadoff man, Ezequiel Carrera reached safely on an error by Angels shortstop Erick Aybar. He then stole second, and moved to third when Asdrubal Cabrera grounded out to second. Santana then threw a wild pitch, and Carrera scored, giving the Indians a 1–0 lead.
The Angels tacked on a run each in the fifth, sixth, and ninth, giving Santana the 3–1 victory.
Santana became emotional after the game, discussing what it meant to him, “I just want to dedicate this no-hitter to my cousin. He passed away.” The pitcher made a trip to the Dominican Republic last month to bury his cousin.
Santana was the least likely candidate from the Angels starters to pitch a no hitter. Most would have pegged Jered Weaver, or Dan Haren, as both of them have better numbers on the season. Santana brought his best stuff, however, dominating with his fastball and slider.
Angels Manager Mike Scioscia said on the team website, “Ervin’s fastball command was as good as I’ve seen since he’s been in the big leagues. He pitched inside well. Those guys had a beautiful game plan, from Pitch 1 to 105. Part of that is you’re looking for that cherry on top, and Ervin delivered it.”
Santana had a no-hitter going into the sixth during his last start against Baltimore on July 22, but ended up giving up three hits in 7.2 innings.
The Angles have now won six of their last eight and remain 2.5 games back of division leader Texas Rangers. Santana reminded Angels fan to keep the faith as they begin the final push of the season: “Thank you for the support and keep pushing for us. We are going to do better.”
Follow Kristen on Twitter @Call2theBullpen
