Blake Snell, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner, made history on Friday night by throwing a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. This was a remarkable performance for Snell, who had never completed eight innings in a game before. He had 11 strikeouts and three walks during the game, with Elly De La Cruz making the final out to preserve the no-hitter.
Snell’s season had a rough start with a high ERA in his first five starts, but he has turned things around in his last five games. He has only allowed two earned runs in 33 innings, resulting in an impressive 0.45 ERA. Despite signing late in the offseason and facing an injury early on, Snell seems to have found his stride.
This was Snell’s first career no-hitter and the third in the major leagues this season. It took him 114 pitches to achieve this milestone, tying for the second-most pitches he has thrown in a game. Snell’s current contract with the San Francisco Giants is for two years and $62 million, with an option to opt out after this season. If he continues to pitch at this level, he may consider exploring other opportunities.
Although Snell’s contract may seem low for a two-time Cy Young Award winner, his inconsistency in going deep into games and sporadic results in the past have influenced this decision. However, he is determined to show that his previous achievements were not a fluke. As the MLB’s all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings, Snell is working hard to solidify his place among the league’s elite pitchers.
This no-hitter was a significant moment in Snell’s career and added to the storied history of the San Francisco Giants. Fans are eager to see if Snell can maintain this level of performance throughout the season and potentially lead the Giants to more victories in the future. His dedication and talent on the field continue to impress both teammates and spectators alike.