Houston Astros right-hander Tatsuya Imai and relievers Steven Okert and Alimber Santa combined to throw a no-hitter in a 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
The performance marked the 17th regular-season no-hitter in Houston franchise history and their fourth combined effort, according to ESPN Research.
>>> Canadiens Host Hurricanes in Game 3 of Eastern Conference Finals
It ended a 630-day drought without a no-hitter across MLB since September 2024.
Imai's Strong Outing
Imai, a 28-year-old rookie who signed a three-year, $54 million contract in January after eight seasons in Japan, earned the win.
He navigated six innings despite issuing four walks, throwing 57 of 97 pitches for strikes.
The victory lowered Imai's ERA to 6.17, a notable improvement from the 8.31 ERA he carried into the game following an injury-list stint for arm fatigue and a six-run meltdown earlier in May.
Houston manager Joe Espada pulled Imai after the sixth inning due to his high pitch count. Okert then walked one batter across a scoreless seventh inning.
>>> Astros Sweep Cubs with Power Offense at Wrigley Field
Santa made his MLB debut to close out the final two frames, retiring all six batters he faced on 24 pitches to secure the shutout.
The game ended when an automated balls and strikes system challenge by Texas hitter Brandon Nimmo confirmed Santa's final pitch was a called third strike.
Texas was held hitless for the sixth time in franchise history, managing only four walks against Houston pitching.
Their defense allowed an unearned run in the first inning when starter Kumar Rocker hit the opening batter.
The Rangers previously suffered a no-hitter at Globe Life Field in 2021, when Corey Kluber threw one for the New York Yankees, following Joe Musgrove's no-hitter for San Diego at the venue earlier that same year.
>>> Knicks Crush Cavaliers in Game 4, Take 3-1 Series Lead
The two teams are scheduled to continue their series on Tuesday night in Arlington.
