Houston Astros pitcher Alimber Santa made a remarkable Major League debut by contributing to a combined no-hitter in the team’s 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday night at Globe Life Field.
Starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai delivered six no-hit innings. Reliever Steven Okert followed with a solid inning before manager Joe Espada called on Santa to close the game. Santa, only 23 years old, efficiently pitched two perfect innings, culminating with a strikeout against Brandon Nimmo for his first career strikeout, completing the historic no-hitter. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Santa became the first pitcher since 1900 to participate in a no-hitter during his Major League debut.
“There was some adrenaline,” Santa said through a translator while reflecting on his performance and the stakes involved in the bullpen. Despite the pressure, he managed to stay calm and execute.
Astros manager Joe Espada expressed his pride in Santa: Proud of Santa. I think it’s a big night for him and his family. Seeing this moment is huge for the organization and for him.
Tatsuya Imai encountered some challenges as he walked three batters early but managed to regain control. Steven Okert also walked one batter during his stint.
The combined no-hitter marked the Astros’ 17th regular-season no-hitter and their 18th overall, including postseason play. The team previously achieved a combined no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series.
The most recent no-hitter in the major leagues before this was on September 4, 2024, when Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers dominated the Pittsburgh Pirates. The last complete-game no-hitter was pitched by Blake Snell for the San Francisco Giants against the Cincinnati Reds on August 2, 2024.
Astros pitchers Alimber Santa, Tatsuya Imai, and Steven Okert celebrated with catcher Christian Vázquez after their historic performance.
Ronel Blanco had pitched the previous no-hitter for the Astros in a convincing 10-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1, 2024, marking Espada’s first managerial victory. The Astros have been responsible for three of the last seven and five of the last 11 Major League no-hitters.
The Astros (24-31) aim to continue their momentum in the four-game series against the Rangers (24-29), with the next game scheduled for Tuesday at 8:05 p.m. ET.