Giants' Sanchez Pitches a No Hitter

Sports Betting News - July 11th, 2009 - Written by Bruce

San Francisco Giants fans were treated to something special on Friday night when Jonathan Sanchez threw a no hitter in front of the home crowd. He was absolutely amazing last night throwing his fastball up to 96mph and commanding a breaking ball that had hitters fooled all night long. It was the first no hitter of the season and with the Cubs Carlos Zambrano being the last to throw one when he no hit the Astros on September 14, 2008. Sanchez was in complete control throughout as he had a perfect game going for most of the game. The only runner to reach base against him all night was due to an error which didn't occur until one out in the eighth inning. Sanchez threw the no hitter in 110 pitches with 77 of them being for strikes. He finished out the night with 11 strikeouts and no walks in what was an amazing and memorable pitching performance by Jonathan Sanchez..

Before last night Sanchez had been struggling this year and was only 2-8 on the season. He had actually been demoted to the bullpen for the last three weeks due to his struggles. Another pitcher who has a thrown a no hitter in his career was actually the reason why Sanchez was pitching last night. Teammate Randy Johnson had been sent to the disabled list this week due to a shoulder injury which gave Sanchez the opportunity to start last night. It is safe to say that Sanchez made the most of this opportunity. What made the night more special for him was that his dad flew in from Puerto Rico and rarely sees his son pitch. After the no hitter was complete the two of them embraced in the dugout sharing a long hug before Jonathan stepped out for his current call from the enthusiastic San Francisco crowd.

A very nervous moment for Sanchez came in the 9th inning when with one out Padres hitter Edgar Gonzalez hit a ball very well which went deep to center field. It looked as if it may be a home run or at least go off the wall for a double. In what was a remarkable catch CF Aaron Rowand leaped at the wall and made the play keeping the no hitter in tact. Sanchez struck out the next hitter to end the game and get the no hitter. This may be the game that turns around the young pitcher's career as he was in total command on Friday. The Giants won the game 8-0 over the Padres and moved to ten games over .500 at 48-38 for the season.