No Hitter For Carlos Rodon, Just Shy of Perfect Game
CHICAGO -- Chicago White Sox left-hander Carlos Rodon came two outs away from a perfect game but threw the first no-hitter of his career in an 8-0 win over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday night.
Rodon, 28, threw 114 pitches in the complete game, looking as strong at the end of the contest as he did at the beginning. One of his final pitches hit 98.8 mph -- the hardest he has thrown a ball since 2016.
It's the second no-hitter in the major leagues this season, coming five days after San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove tossed the first no-hitter in franchise history against the Texas Rangers.
With one out in the ninth inning, Rodon hit Roberto Perez in the foot, ending his chance at perfection. But he then got Yu Chang looking for strike three and Jordan Luplow on a ground out to third base. Rodon was mobbed by teammates, including catcher Zack Collins. The two played against each other in high school in Florida.
"That was the most incredible thing I've ever been part of behind the plate," Collins said. "I was about as nervous as I've ever been back there."
Rodon is the sixth pitcher to throw a no-hitter with the sole blemish coming on a hit-by-pitch. His outing was delayed two days; he was supposed to start Monday, but a stomach bug kept him out of the lineup. Rodon said he felt back to normal by Wednesday, leading to his historic night. His average fastball velocity increased as the game went on, starting at 93 mph and ending at 96.5 mph.
Afterward, Rodon indicated he hadn't checked his phone yet, but he knew there were many unread texts to get through. He was asked if he would be sending the ball from the final out to the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.