First MLB No-Hitter of 2014 Belongs to Josh Beckett

Photo Credit: MLB.com

By Francisco Romero

It took 128 pitches for Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Josh Beckett to complete the first no-hitter of his career. Beckett and the Dodgers beat the Philadelphia Phillies 6-0. Becket became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter this season.

“It is special, it is something that you certainly think about throughout your career, but very few people have been able to do it,” said Beckett after the game and added, “It takes very good defense behind you, a little luck sprinkled in there and making some pitches when you need to make some pitches.”

The last time a Dodgers pitcher had thrown a no-hitter was 1996 when Hideo Nomo beat the Colorado Rockies 9-0. Beckett no-hitter was the 24th for the Dodgers.

“That was a lot of fun, Josh has been throwing the ball good all year. For him to be able to do that today is nice, for everything he’s been through with us — the surgery last year, missing the whole season. Changing himself as a pitcher, using the breaking ball more and everything else — it was fun to watch,” said manager Don Mattingly.

Beckett is coming from a 2013 season that kept him off the field and on the disabled list most of the year. He finished the 2013 season with a record of 0-5 with a 5.19 ERA in eight games.

Beckett struck out six and walked three batters. He struck out Chase Utley on a called third strike to end the game.

First baseman Adrian Gonzalez had three hits and 2 RBI’s on the offensive side to help the Dodgers with the win. Third basement Justin Turner hit a homerun in the second inning.

The closes Beckett had come to throwing a no-hitter was back in 2011 when he beat Tampa Bay 3-0. Reid Brignac got an infield hit preventing the 34 year old to finish with a no-no.