Houston’s pitcher, Cristian Javier, had a stellar performance on Sunday as he led the Astros to a 10-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays. But it was his teammate, rookie pitcher Luis Garcia, who made history by throwing the first no-hitter of the season in the majors.
Garcia, who was making only his second start in the majors, dominated the Blue Jays’ lineup, allowing no hits and only one walk in nine innings. He also struck out seven batters, showcasing his impressive pitching skills.
The 24-year-old right-hander from Venezuela was in control from the very beginning, retiring the first 14 batters he faced. He received support from his teammates, who provided him with a comfortable lead early on in the game.
Garcia’s no-hitter is the first for the Astros since Justin Verlander’s in 2019 and the first by a rookie pitcher since Mike Fiers in 2015. It is also the first no-hitter against the Blue Jays since the Seattle Mariners’ combined no-hitter in 2019.
The Blue Jays, who have been struggling with injuries to key players, were unable to generate any offense against Garcia. Their only baserunner came in the third inning when Marcus Semien drew a walk.
Garcia’s impressive performance was not only a personal achievement but also a team effort. His teammates, including Javier, were quick to congratulate him and celebrate the historic moment.
The Astros’ manager, Dusty Baker, praised Garcia’s composure and poise on the mound, especially for a young pitcher making only his second start in the majors.
Garcia’s no-hitter is the fifth in Astros’ history and the 311th in the majors. It is also the second no-hitter of the season, following Joe Musgrove’s for the San Diego Padres on April 9.
The Astros, who have been off to a strong start this season, now have another reason to celebrate as they continue their series against the Blue Jays. Garcia’s no-hitter is a testament to the team’s talent and determination, and it will surely be remembered as a highlight of the 2021 season.
