Paxton throws season’s 3rd no-hitter

TORONTO — James Paxton of the Mariners became the first Canadian to pitch a no-hitter in his home country, shutting down the Blue Jays 5-0 on Tuesday night.

Paxton joined Dick Fowler of the 1945 Philadelphia Athletics as the only Canadians to throw a no-hitter.

Coming off a career-high 16 strikeouts in his last start, Paxton (2-1) was electric once again, hitting 100 mph with his fastball while retiring Josh Donaldson on a groundout to end the game.

Paxton struck out seven, walked three and benefited from an outstanding play by third baseman Kyle Seager. With two outs in the seventh, Seager made a full-length diving stop on speedy Kevin Pillar’s grounder down the line, then slung an off-balance throw that first baseman Ryon Healy snagged on one hop.

The 29-year-old lefty threw 99 pitches in tossing the third nohitter in the majors this season — with all three coming in different countries.

Sean Manaea of the Athletics pitched one against the Red Sox on April 21 in California. Four Dodgers combined to no-hit the Padres on Friday night in Mexico.

Before the game, the Blue Jays placed starting shortstop Aledmys Diaz on the 10-day disabled list with a sprained left ankle.

Diaz left Sunday’s game when he hit the side of first base while trying to avoid a collision with Rays pitcher Chris Archer on an infield single.

The Blue Jays said backup infielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. would take over in Diaz’s absence.

Diaz, who took over at shortstop for the injured Troy Tulowitzki, was hitting .216 with six home runs and 13 RBIs on the season.