Update #2 (6:31 PM EDT): Rodriguez got two quick ground outs to start the eighth inning. Marcus Semien, however, hit a sharp grounder back to the mound. Rodriguez knocked it down, but Semien’s speed was too much. He was called out, but upon review, the call was overturned and Semien was awarded a hit, ending Rodriguez’s no-hit bid.
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Update (6:15 PM EDT): Rodriguez got Billy Butler to line out, then induced consecutive ground outs from Stephen Vogt and Ryon Healy. He’s at 100 pitches, two innings shy of a no-hitter.
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Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez has held the Athletics hitless through six innings during Sunday afternoon’s game at the Oakland Alameda Coliseum. The lefty has walked two and hit a batter while striking out five on 88 pitches. Yoan Moncada also committed a fielding error.
The Red Sox offense has thus far been unable to provide Rodriguez with run support. Starter Kendall Graveman tossed 6 1/3 scoreless innings on five hits and a pair of walk with seven strikeouts. Reliever Ryan Dull got the final two outs of the seventh to keep the game knotted at zero-zero.
Though Rodriguez’s pitch count seems to be a limiting factor, if he is able to go the distance and keep the A’s hitless, he would be the second pitcher this season to toss a no-no. The Cubs’ Jake Arrieta no-hit the Reds on April 21. The last member of the Red Sox to toss a no-no was Jon Lester on May 19, 2008. The A’s haven’t been victims of a no-hitter since the Orioles’ combined no-hitter on July 13, 1991, which featured Bob Milacki, Mike Flanagan, Mark Williamson, and Gregg Olson.
Rodriguez entered Sunday’s start with a disappointing 5.35 ERA with a 61/28 K/BB ratio in 74 innings this season.
We’ll keep you updated as Rodriguez attempts to no-hit the Athletics.
