Cristian Javier did his best Nolan Ryan impersonation on Wednesday night.
Houston Astros relievers Bryan Abreu, Rafael Montero, and Ryan Pressly came in throwing smoke.
The result: the Astros no-hit the Philadelphia Phillies in World Series Game 4, winning 5-0 to even the World Series at 2-2.
It’s only the second no-hitter in World Series history. New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen tossed a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series.
Javier dominated from the start, pitching six hitless innings before leaving after 97 pitches. It’s the first time in 53 years a pitcher has had a no-hitter through six innings in the World Series. Jerry Koosman pulled the feat in Game 2 of the 1969 World Series.
While he didn’t get a chance to go the distance, Javier struck out nine and walked two, throwing 63 strikes. Abreu, Montero, and Pressly pitched one inning apiece and struck out a combined five batters.
It’s the second time this season Javier has been part of a combined no-hitter. The 25-year-old pitcher combined with Pressly and Héctor Neris to no-hit the New York Yankees on June 25.
The baseball world – minus Phillies fans — celebrated the historic achievement on Twitter.
I get it, pitch counts and whatever, but if they pull him from the chance to PITCH A NO HITTER IN THE WORLD SERIES, something is wrong with baseball.
— keepfischin.eth (@keepfischin) November 3, 2022
https://twitter.com/TorronMiguel/status/1587997050817445889
Ace and he's our 4th pitcher
— MoCity (@MOClTY) November 3, 2022
Game 5 is Thursday night in Philadelphia at 8:03 p.m.