Jimenez throws first no-hitter in Rockies history
Ubaldo Jimenez made Colorado Rockies history Saturday with the franchise’s first no-hitter.
Jimenez, who struggled with his command early in the game, allowed six walks and struck out seven. In the sixth inning, he began pitching exclusively from the stretch and managed to get control of what had been a high pitch count. He retired the last 15 batters he faced after walking Jason Heyward to start the fifth inning.
He threw a career-high 128 pitches.
More coming in the Game Recap later.
Fantastic! No other words for it. Every no hitter/perfect game has at least one outstanding defensive play, so the supporting player award goes to Dexter tonight.
Beautiful. When I tuned in (about the 4th inning) and saw the walks and the pitch count piling up, I was hoping Ubaldo would just make it through 6. Then he went into the stretch full time and started cruising.
The true ace this club has been waiting for since 1993 has finally arrived.
amazing! Congrats to Ubaldo and great job to the rest of the team today too.
Great! Fantastic!
Proud of the Rockies! Proud of Jimenez! Proud of the team!
I agree with you Al, Dexter’s catch brought more confidence to Jimenez.
Great game, and a great job by Ubaldo!!! He’s come so far since I watched him pitch for the Sky Sox. Congrats to all! Enjoy it, and let’s get another W tomorrow!
Congrats to Ubaldo!
In a related thought, can anyone think of a time when a starting pitcher reverted exclusively to the stretch position like Jimenez tonight? That is a fascinating part of this no-hitter that really hasn’t been discussed much yet. I wonder what he needs to do to get his motion back on track for his next start.
Excuse my language, but holy shit.
that’s all I’ve got.
That was awesome and I really did have tears in my eyes. Gay or not, I did. LOL. Can’t say enough about Ubaldo and of course Dexter’s catch. But the key for me was Apodaca telling Ubaldo to go to the stretch. If Ubaldo stays in the windup then there is no doubt he would of been out of the game after 6 or 7 innings with 120 pitches. So kudos to all involved!!! AWESOME!!!!
“In a related thought, can anyone think of a time when a starting pitcher reverted exclusively to the stretch position like Jimenez tonight?”
Can’t think of many names off the top of my head, but it happens. Last year (incl in a start against the Rockies) Lincecum did this.
Best pitcher in team history has ARRIVED!!! Love that Dex, too…what a great night.
The answer to the “stretch” question. It was done by Hideo Noma, September 17, 1996 against the Rockies, the outcome a no-hitter.
I was on the phone to my dad talking baseball and it was about the third inning and I said, totally joking, “You know, dad, Ubaldo’s got a no-hitter going.” And we both kind of laughed. I guess I didn’t jinx Ubaldo. I never thought I’d see a Rockies no-hitter–ever. Really special.
Congrats to Ubaldo. He’s a great, great player. And, kids, if you’re looking for a sports role model, look to Ubaldo. He’s a really hard worker and from what I read a very good guy.
Also, good point made by Fred about Nomo. I remember that game in 1996 and that’s exactly what happened with Nomo going from the stretch.
speaking of ‘jinx’ and superstitions….i bought a clearance “Rocktober” shirt down in Tucson at HI Corbet for $10. First day I wore it was yesterday. It won’t be worn until the playoffs.
Go Rockies!
Anyone know how many other no-hitters have included a balk?