With a runner on first, two outs, and the game at 4-0 in favor of the Astros in the bottom of the ninth inning, Corey Seager saw a 91 mph sinker from Valdez and launched a home run over the right-field fence at Globe Life Park. The blast excited the Rangers’ fans and left the Astros’ dugout in stunned silence.
After giving up the home run, Valdez was unable to complete the game as Astros‘ closer Josh Hader took the mound to record the final out, securing a 4-2 victory for Houston
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It’s worth noting that this could have been Framber Valdez‘s second no-hitter, as he already achieved one on August 1, 2023, against the Cleveland Guardians. Additionally, he had the chance to join his teammate and fellow countryman Ronel Blanco, Dylan Cease of the San Diego Padres, and Blake Snell of the San Francisco Giants as the only pitchers to throw no-hitters this season.
Despite falling short of the milestone, Valdez had an impressive outing, pitching 8.2 innings with 2 earned runs and 5 strikeouts. Overall, he is having a solid season with a 10-5 record, a 3.56 ERA, 116.1 innings pitched, and 108 strikeouts over 19 games.
