Blake Snell had never pitched a full eight innings before Friday night, but his first complete game was nothing short of spectacular.
The current National League Cy Young Award holder achieved a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on Friday.
In this remarkable performance, Snell struck out 11 batters and walked three, with Elly De La Cruz’s lineout to right field sealing the no-hitter.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Blake Snell #7 of the San Francisco Giants delivers a pitch during the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on August 02, 2024, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
Snell’s recent performance has been impressive, especially considering that as the reigning Cy Young Award winner, he had struggled with a 9.51 ERA in his initial five starts.
However, over the last five appearances, he’s allowed only two earned runs—both in a single game against the Los Angeles Dodgers—over 33 innings, resulting in a remarkable 0.45 ERA.
Snell signed late in the offseason, which led to a delayed start to his season, and he spent time on the injured list after just two starts. Now, he appears to have returned to form.
Before Friday’s game, Snell’s longest outing was 7.2 innings; he had only recorded an out in the seventh inning on four occasions prior.
San Francisco Giants starter Blake Snell (7) pitches against the Cincinnati Reds during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. (Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports)
DODGERS STAR FREDDIE FREEMAN ANNOUNCES SON, 3, BATTLING ‘ESPECIALLY RARE’ NEUROLOGICAL CONDITION
This marks the third no-hitter in Major League Baseball this season, joining Ronel Blanco’s from April and Dylan Cease’s from last week. Additionally, it’s the 18th no-hitter in Giants franchise history.
Snell required 114 pitches to achieve this remarkable feat, which ties for the second-highest pitch count of his career (his highest is 117).
Snell’s current contract with the San Francisco Giants lasts two years and is worth $62 million, with an opt-out clause after this season. If he continues to pitch at this level, he may contemplate that option.
This contract is relatively modest for a two-time Cy Young Award winner (he led MLB last year with an ERA of 2.25), especially considering his previous ability to maintain long outings, infrequent struggles outside of 2018 and 2013, and his age.
San Francisco Giants pitcher Blake Snell throws during the second inning of a baseball game against the Cincinnati Reds, Friday, Aug. 2, 2024, in Cincinnati. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Despite the challenges, Snell is MLB’s all-time leader in K/9 with 11.1 strikeouts per nine innings and is determined to demonstrate that his two Cy Young Awards are well-deserved.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
