Angels ace pitches a no-hitter
Couldn’t have done it without the defence, says Jered Weaver
ANAHEIM, Calif. — Jered Weaver pitched the second no-hitter in the majors in less than two weeks, completely overmatching Minnesota and leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 9-0 win over the Twins on Wednesday night.
Weaver struck out nine and walked one. The Twins never came close to getting a hit against the All-star right-hander.
Weaver (4-0), a California native who played at Long Beach State, quickly retired Jamey Carroll on a routine fly and struck out Denard Span looking to begin the ninth.
Weaver then got Alexi Casilla to lift a long fly that right fielder Torii Hunter easily caught at the warning track. The Angels’ ace watched his Gold Glove outfielder make the play, then put his hands on his head as the Angels rushed out to mob him.
His gem complete, Weaver hugged his wife, his dad and his mom, who was crying on the field.
“I’m at a loss for words right now. It hasn’t kicked in yet,” Weaver said. “Thank you for all your support. Couldn’t have done it without the defence. The guys were picking me up left and right.”
In the other no-no of 2012, Phil Humber of the Chicago White Sox threw a perfect game against Seattle on April 21.
Only one Minnesota batter reached base through the first seven innings, and that was when catcher Chris Iannetta committed a passed ball on strike three to Chris Parmelee with two out in the second. Josh Willingham drew the only walk Weaver allowed with two outs in the seventh.
“Fastball command was good. Able to fill up the zone get some early strikes. It was an easy ride,” Weaver said.
“I was locked in for the most part,” he said. “My mom, dad, wife, this was awesome.”
The no-hitter was the highlight for a 29-year-old pitcher who has already compiled quite a resume.
Weaver finished second in the AL Cy Young voting last year after going 18-8 with a 2.41 ERA. He and winner Justin Verlander were the only pitchers listed on every ballot.