UPDATE: In a thrilling yet heartbreaking moment, Gavin Williams came within two outs of delivering the Cleveland Guardians‘ first no-hitter in 44 years during a game against the New York Mets on Wednesday, August 29, 2023. With one out remaining in the ninth inning, Juan Soto launched a home run, sealing a 4-1 victory and breaking Williams’ no-hit bid.
This near-miss is a devastating blow for the Guardians, who have not thrown a no-hitter since Len Barker achieved the feat on May 15, 1981. The franchise’s no-hitter drought now stretches to an astonishing 7,115 games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.
Williams (7-4) demonstrated remarkable prowess throughout the game, walking three and striking out six, including striking out Francisco Lindor to start the ninth inning. However, just two pitches later, Soto connected for a homer that sailed just beyond the reach of center fielder Angel Martinez, dashing the Guardians’ hopes.
After Soto’s dramatic hit, Williams retired Pete Alonso on a fly out but exited the game after walking Brandon Nimmo for the third time. The right-hander threw a staggering 126 pitches, surpassing his previous career high by 17 pitches—the most in the majors since Alex Cobb threw 131 in a one-hitter for the San Francisco Giants on August 29, 2023.
The Guardians showcased strong early offense, with David Fry hitting a solo homer in the second, and Angel Martinez contributing a two-run shot in the third. Gabriel Arias added an RBI triple in the sixth inning, solidifying the Guardians’ lead.
Despite Soto’s late-game heroics, the Mets continue to struggle, having lost eight of their last nine games. This game marked a crucial moment for them, as it prevented them from being no-hit for the ninth time in franchise history.
As the Guardians revel in their series sweep over the Mets, attention will now shift to how Williams responds to this near-historic achievement. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if he can build on this performance in future outings.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops, and share your thoughts on this heart-stopping moment for the Guardians on social media!