Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez was one out from recording his second career no-hitter on Tuesday.
Corey Seager spoiled the party. With one man on and two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning, Seager launched a hanging Valdez slider into the right-field stands. The blast cut Houston’s 4-0 lead over the Texas Rangers in half.
Just like that, Valdez’s shot at a second entry into the record books was done. Closer Josh Hader took over on the mound. He issued a leadoff walk, then got the final out on a deep fly ball from Josh Jung that came up just short of tying the game. Houston held on for the 4-2 win.
Valdez left the eighth inning having thrown 93 pitches but was allowed by Astros manager Joe Espada to go for the milestone. Hader warmed up between innings, but Valdez took the mound in an effort to finish the game. He walked leadoff hitter Robbie Grossman and then induced a double-play on his first pitch to Ezequiel Durán.
He then walked Josh Smith, setting up Seager to spoil the no-hitter in the next at-bat. Valdez finished the game allowing one hit and two earned runs with three walks and five strikeouts in 8 2/3 innings.
While there was no no-hitter, the victory came at an opportune time for the Astros, who are embroiled in a race with the Seattle Mariners for the AL West crown. The win moved the Astros (58-55) one game behind the Mariners at the top of the division standings. It also pushed the Rangers (54-60) to 5.5 games back of Seattle in their long-shot hopes of joining the race.
A two-time All-Star, Valdez is in the midst of another strong season in Houston. He entered Tuesday’s game with a 3.56 ERA and 1.246 WHIP with 108 strikeouts and 38 walks in 116 1/3 innings pitched. His no-hitter took place almost a year ago to the day, in a win over the Cleveland Guardians on Aug. 1, 2023.
