Every no-hitter has one great play to keep it alive.
This one had two, in the same inning.
Mike Fiers has a no-no in the sixth and the @Athletics defense is doing EVERYTHING to help him.
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/TTd5nQFvSx
— Yahoo Sports MLB (@MLByahoosports) May 8, 2019
They’re in the middle innings. Miles away from official no-hitter territory. But then these two catches in a row, rocketing the thing ahead toward history.
Two more outs, and the best omen a pitcher could ever hope for.
Melvin said Profar’s great diving catch was like the hors d'oeuvre to Laureano’s catch to rob Votto of a homer.
— Martín Gallegos (@MartinJGallegos) May 8, 2019
There was the Profar catch first, diving full-out in shallow right field.
And then Laureano, doing what he does. Robbing Votto at the wall. The leap, the extension. A statement made with a catch, that a no-hitter just got started for real here in this sixth inning.
Even if he didn’t know it himself:
5-7-2019 FINAL SCORE: @Athletics 2, @Reds 0.#Athletics Center Fielder Ramón Laureano: “I didn't even know it was a no-hitter until the 27th out. I just keep playing my game out there…" pic.twitter.com/g0Ncvr01Sm
— Lowell Tuckerman (@LowellTuckerman) May 8, 2019
So tip your cap, Mike Fiers.
Lightning just struck twice.
🔥🔥🔥Fiers No-Hitter!🔥🔥🔥#RootedInOakland pic.twitter.com/CqQQU1g4Kv
— Ten Stadiums Ten Days ⚾️ (@StadiumsTen) May 8, 2019