In Game 4 of the World Series, Cristian Javier along with relievers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero and Ryan Pressly combined on a no-hitter to give the Houston Astros a 5-0 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies to even the Fall Classic at two games apiece. Javier pitched six of those innings.
It is the first no-hitter in World Series competition since Don Larsen's perfect game in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series for the New York Yankees against the Brooklyn Dodgers. Needless to say, it is the first combined no-hitter in World Series history. However, it is not Javier's first combined no-hitter. Back in June, Javier, Hector Neris and Ryan Pressly no-hit the New York Yankees. Javier pitched 7 of those innings striking out 13. He is also the only pitcher in MLB history to start to combined no-hitters.
Overall, it is the third no-hitter in MLB post-season history. The late Roy Halladay tossed a no-hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS. The Phillies have now been on both ends of a no-hitter in post-season play. Dusty Baker has also been on both ends of a no-hitter in post-season play as he was managing the Reds when Halladay threw his masterpiece.
As the late Joe Garagiola said, "Baseball is a funny game."
If this doesn't pick up World Series viewership then nothing will. Game 5 is scheduled for tonight with Game 1 starters Noah Syndergaard and Justin Verlander facing off once more.
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