World Series: Catcher Christian Vazquez Helps Guide Astros to No-Hitter
Houston Astros catcher Christian Vazquez, shown here during spring training in 2016, broke his hand during a game in Tampa. (Mike Johnson—USA TODAY Sports)
After a no-hitter in the first inning, the Houston Astros finally got the no-hit chance they needed at least a day late against the New York Yankees.
Christian Vazquez finally broke the game-ending cycle when he threw out Alex Rodriguez at the plate on a deep triple in the fifth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a no-hitter and a 3-0 lead.
It was the eighth no-hitter for the Astros in franchise history and the first for Vazquez.
A two-run homer from George Springer was the only other base runner who was able to cross the plate in that inning.
Astros first baseman Alex Bregman, who had two hits, including a double, and a run scored as part of the no-hitter.
“It feels amazing,” said Vazquez, who made his 10th career start. “I can’t believe I am finally the pitcher who’s going to win a no-hitter. I just hope we can have another one.”
Vazquez threw a seven-inning complete game, striking out 10 in a no-risk outing that started after Astros starter Gerrit Cole was yanked after a sixth inning appearance early Wednesday.
Vazquez, who didn’t travel with the team to Tampa because of a sore neck, started the seventh inning with a runner on second base and a pair of men on third base, the first a force out by catcher Roberto Pena to end the only threat. Vazquez then struck out Alex Rodriguez to end the threat by having no runners on before leaving with a 1-0 lead.
Vazquez and Cole combined for two runs allowed in 7 1/3 innings over five appearances with the Astros last year. Cole pitched