Chicago White Sox starting pitcher, Lucas Giolito, has thrown a no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Tuesday night in Chicago as the White Sox defeated the Pirates 4-0. Erik Gonzalez lined out to right field to cap off an unbelievable performance by Giolito, who struck out 13 on the night, but finished with just 101 pitches. He got payback on Gonzalez, who was the only Pirate to reach base Tuesday night, as he walked to leadoff the fourth inning. Despite the hard contact by Gonzalez, it went right into the glove of Adam Engel to seal history for Giolito.
Incredible Performance by Giolito
Giolito threw the 304th no-hitter in MLB history and the 261st in the modern-era. Giolito’s career got off to a rocky start after being traded to the White Sox in 2017. He put up a 6.14 ERA in 2018. However, Giolito showed why he was the number one prospect in baseball by having an incredible 2019 campaign where he had a 3.41 ERA and 228 strikeouts.
Against the Pirates, Giolito was in control throughout the game. He got off to a fast start with five strikeouts in his first three innings and eight through five. In addition to the no-hitter, Giolito was just one pitch off the Maddux-line for a complete game as he was efficient with just 101 pitches in the game. Command was another key point for Giolito as he threw 74 strikes to just 27 balls.
History for the White Sox
Lucas Giolito became the 19th pitcher in White Sox history to throw a no-hitter, and the first since Philip Humber in 2012, who threw a perfect game, just like Mark Buehrle in 2009. To add on, Giolito is the first White Sox pitcher to pitch a no-hitter with more than 10 strikeouts, and is the first White Sox pitcher to pitch a no-hitter against a National League team.
Looking Forward
Giolito’s next start is next Monday against the Minnesota Twins, as he can chase one of the most elusive baseball crowns and join Johnny Vander Meer as the only pitchers to have thrown back-to-back no hitters. Vander Meer completed this in 1938.
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