Guardians’ Williams Loses No-Hitter Bid as Soto Homers Late
URGENT UPDATE: Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians came excruciatingly close to achieving a no-hitter, falling just two outs short before Juan Soto launched a home run in the ninth inning. This dramatic moment unfolded in New York on August 30, 2023, as the Guardians secured a 4-1 victory over the struggling New York Mets.
Williams, who now holds a record of 7-4, displayed remarkable control throughout the game, striking out six batters, including Francisco Lindor to kick off the ninth inning. However, just two pitches later, Soto’s powerful shot dashed the hopes of a no-hitter, landing just out of reach of center fielder Angel Martinez.
This near-miss is particularly significant as it marks the Guardians’ quest for their first no-hitter in an astounding 44 years. Last achieved by Len Barker on May 15, 1981, the team now holds the record for the longest active no-hitter drought in Major League Baseball, with 7,115 games since their last.
Williams, who threw a staggering 126 pitches—the most in the majors since August 29, 2023—retired Pete Alonso on a fly ball before walking Brandon Nimmo for the third time. The right-hander was the first player on the field in the ninth, with no one warming up in the bullpen, showcasing his determination to finish the game.
The Guardians’ offense was sparked early, with David Fry hitting a home run in the second inning against Mets pitcher David Peterson, who now stands at 7-5. A two-run homer by Angel Martinez in the third and an RBI triple from Gabriel Arias in the sixth provided additional support.
The Mets, facing their eighth loss in nine games, managed to avoid being no-hit for a record ninth time in franchise history, thanks to Soto’s late-game heroics.
As the Guardians celebrate their sweep of the Mets, fans are left wondering when the team will finally break their no-hitter drought. With the playoffs approaching, Williams’ performance highlights both the potential and the heartbreak that can accompany the sport.
This developing story has captivated baseball fans and will undoubtedly lead to discussions about the Guardians’ future and the ongoing struggles of the Mets. Stay tuned for updates as we continue to follow this thrilling season.
