Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez was just one out away from securing his second career no-hitter on Tuesday night when Corey Seager stepped up to the plate. With a man on base and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Seager hit a hanging slider from Valdez into the right-field stands, cutting Houston’s lead over the Texas Rangers from 4-0 to 4-2.
Just like that, Valdez’s chance at making history was gone. Astros manager Joe Espada brought in closer Josh Hader to finish the game. Hader issued a walk but managed to secure the final out with a deep fly ball from Josh Jung that fell just short of tying the game. Houston held on for a 4-2 victory.
Valdez had thrown 93 pitches by the end of the eighth inning, but Espada gave him the green light to chase the milestone. Hader was warming up in the bullpen, ready to step in if needed, but Valdez took the mound determined to complete the game. He walked leadoff hitter Robbie Grossman and then induced a double play on his first pitch to Ezequiel Durán. However, he walked Josh Smith, setting the stage for Seager’s game-changing at-bat.
Valdez’s final line for the game included one hit, two earned runs, three walks, and five strikeouts over 8 2/3 innings. Despite the disappointment of losing the no-hitter, Valdez’s performance was still impressive.
Corey Seager’s hit placed him in a unique category of players who have broken up no-hit bids with two outs in the ninth inning twice. According to baseball journalist Sarah Langs, Seager is the only player on record to achieve this feat. Langs tweeted, “Corey Seager has now broken up TWO no-hit bids with two outs in the 9th – the only player on record to do so twice (h/t @SlangsonSports).”
While Valdez missed out on the no-hitter, the win was crucial for the Astros. They are currently locked in a tight race with the Seattle Mariners for the AL West crown. The victory brought the Astros (58-55) to within one game of the Mariners, who lead the division. The loss pushed the Rangers (54-60) to 5.5 games behind Seattle, dimming their chances of joining the playoff race.
Valdez, a two-time All-Star, is having another strong season with Houston. He entered Tuesday’s game with a 3.56 ERA and a 1.246 WHIP, along with 108 strikeouts and 38 walks in 116 1/3 innings pitched. His previous no-hitter was almost exactly a year ago, in a win over the Cleveland Guardians on August 1, 2023.
Though the no-hitter eluded him this time, Valdez’s performance and the team’s victory underscored the Astros’ determination as they continue to battle for the top spot in their division.