I tuned into game one of the Tigers-Red Sox series out of curiosity in the fifth inning. I'm not positive, but I think the announcers mentioned "no-hitter" about 4,658 times.
Anibal Sanchez was dominant. The only thing Red Sox hitters could do against Sanchez was draw six walks in six innings. Sanchez struck out twelve but was forced to leave after 116 pitches (after 116, there's a decent chance he would've lost the no-hitter anyway) so three relievers could continue the combined no hitter: Al Alburquerque, Jose Veras, and Drew Smyly.
Enter Joaquin Benoit. Nobody cared about the 1-0 lead that much anymore. The announcers used the opportunity to show video of despairing Sox fans and use the term "no-hitter" about 6,572 more times.
The pitch that ended the no-hitter was a 1-2 to Daniel Nava. A high fastball at 95 mph that Nava easily slapped into center.
I remember watching, thinking: Is this really going to happen? A no-hitter? I'd missed Roy Halladay years earlier. Then, I'd scold myself for thinking about it, then I'd realize it didn't matter with these announcers anyway.
I didn't get a no hitter. But I'm still glad I finished watching.
Anibal Sanchez was dominant. The only thing Red Sox hitters could do against Sanchez was draw six walks in six innings. Sanchez struck out twelve but was forced to leave after 116 pitches (after 116, there's a decent chance he would've lost the no-hitter anyway) so three relievers could continue the combined no hitter: Al Alburquerque, Jose Veras, and Drew Smyly.
Enter Joaquin Benoit. Nobody cared about the 1-0 lead that much anymore. The announcers used the opportunity to show video of despairing Sox fans and use the term "no-hitter" about 6,572 more times.
The pitch that ended the no-hitter was a 1-2 to Daniel Nava. A high fastball at 95 mph that Nava easily slapped into center.
I remember watching, thinking: Is this really going to happen? A no-hitter? I'd missed Roy Halladay years earlier. Then, I'd scold myself for thinking about it, then I'd realize it didn't matter with these announcers anyway.
I didn't get a no hitter. But I'm still glad I finished watching.
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