An examination of perfect games and no-hitters in MLB history produces at least one significant play in each game that helped a pitcher complete the feat. Hyun-Jin Ryu and the Los Angeles Dodgers appeared to have theres when Cody Bellinger threw out Stephen Strasburg at first base.
Coming off a ‘Maddux’ performance in complete-game shutout against the Atlanta Braves, Ryu retired the first 10 batters in Sunday’s series finale against the Washington Nationals. Just as the possibility of a perfect game was beginning to gain steam, Ryu walked Brian Dozier with one out in the fourth inning.
The walk was only Ryu’s third this season and his first at Dodger Stadium since Aug. 26, 2018. The Nationals then appeared to have their first hit on Strasburg’s line drive to right field in the sixth inning.
Bellinger charged to his left, fielded the ball on a hop and a threw a 93 mph strike to Max Muncy at first base to preserve the no-hit bid. The Nationals were unsuccessful in their challenge of the close play.
Bellinger revealed after the Dodgers’ 6-0 win that he and Muncy got on the same page for such a scenario during Strasburg’s previous at-bat, via SportsNet LA:
“I was just playing really shallow, obviously just because it was a pitcher. Second inning, Strasburg hit, me and Muncy connected. We were just waiting for that opportunity. So props for him to getting to first, too.”
As for saving Ryu’s no-hitter at the time, Bellinger said he had just learned of the situation moments before Strasburg sent a one-hopper in his direction and was beginning to feel some angst:
“It was cool, obviously saved the no-hitter. I actually didn’t even know he had one. I looked up like one batter before that. I’m glad I did. I don’t know, it made me want to do it that much more. … Actually in the eighth inning I was a little nervous. I don’t know what the word is, but I was starting to feel it. I don’t know if he was feeling it, but I was feeling it out there. Just lock it in a little extra and try to make a play for him.”
Ryu ultimately lost what would have been his first career no-hitter on Gerardo Parra’s ground-rule double with one out in the eighth inning. That prompted the 32-year-old to apologize to Bellinger for not making his terrific play stand in the long run.
