Blake Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, threw his first career no-hitter on Friday night against the Cincinnati Reds. Snell struck out 11 batters and walked three in the historic outing.
Blake Snell has had quite a turnaround of late. The reigning National League Cy Young Award winner was pitching to a 9.51 ERA in his first five starts, but in his last five, he's recorded just two earned runs (both in one start against the Los Angeles Dodgers) in 33 innings - that adds up to a 0.45 ERA.
Snell signed late in the offseason, causing his start of the season to be delayed - after just two starts, he landed on the injured list. But he sure seems to have found his old ways.
Blake Snell Throws No-Hitter Against Cincinnati Reds
Snell's no-hitter on Friday was the third in the major leagues this season, joining Ronel Blanco back in April and Dylan Cease last week. It's also the 18th in Giants history.
It took Snell 114 pitches to accomplish the feat, tied for the second-most of his career (117 is his most).
Blake Snell Throws No-Hitter Against Cincinnati Reds
Snell's deal with the San Francisco Giants is just two years for $62 million - however, he can opt out after this season. If he keeps pitching like this, he may want to do that.
The deal is rather low for a two-time Cy Young Award winner (he pitched to an MLB-low 2.25 ERA last year), but his inability to go deep into games, plus somewhat sporadic results outside his 2018 and 2013 seasons, and his age, all played roles.
Blake Snell Throws No-Hitter Against Cincinnati Reds
But, Snell is MLB's all-time leader in K/9 with 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings, and he's trying to prove that those two Cy Young Awards are no fluke.
Snell's no-hitter is a reminder of his immense talent. He is one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball when he's on his game. The Giants are hoping that he can continue to pitch at a high level for the rest of the season and help them make a run at the playoffs.
Snell's no-hitter is a special moment in Giants history. It is the first no-hitter by a Giants pitcher since Jonathan Sanchez in 2009. It is also the first no-hitter by a reigning Cy Young Award winner since Justin Verlander in 2011.
Snell's no-hitter is a testament to his hard work and dedication. He has overcome injuries and adversity to become one of the best pitchers in baseball. He is an inspiration to all young pitchers who dream of achieving greatness.
