In baseball, one of the greatest pitching performances a pitcher can have is to throw a no-hitter. A no-hitter is when a pitcher pitches an entire game without allowing the opposing team to get a hit. It is a feat that is incredibly difficult to accomplish, and it takes a great amount of skill, focus, and luck for a pitcher to achieve a no-hitter. But even when a pitcher does throw a no-hitter, it is possible for them to lose the game. This is due to the fact that there are other ways that the opposing team can score runs, such as walks, errors, and wild pitches. In this article, we will be discussing the rare occurrence of a pitcher throwing a no-hitter, but still losing the game.
What is a No-Hitter?
Before discussing the rare case of a pitcher throwing a no-hitter, but still losing the game, it is important to have an understanding of what a no-hitter is. A no-hitter is when a pitcher pitches an entire game without allowing the opposing team to get a hit. In order for a no-hitter to be official, a pitcher must pitch at least nine complete innings, and the game must go the full nine innings. If the game is shortened for any reason, such as weather, or if the pitcher does not complete the full nine innings, the no-hitter is not considered official.
How Can a Pitcher Lose When Throwing a No-Hitter?
Now that we have a basic understanding of what a no-hitter is, let us discuss the rare occurrence of a pitcher throwing a no-hitter, but still losing the game. While it is incredibly difficult for a pitcher to allow the opposing team to get zero hits throughout the game, it is still possible for a pitcher to lose the game even when throwing a no-hitter. This is because there are other ways that the opposing team can score runs.
Walks
One of the ways that the opposing team can score runs is through walks. Walks occur when the pitcher throws four pitches that are not in the strike zone, and the batter is awarded first base. If the bases are loaded, and the batter is walked, the opposing team will be able to score a run. This means that even if the pitcher is able to prevent the opposing team from getting a hit, they can still be scored against.
Errors
Another way that the opposing team can score runs is through errors. Errors occur when a fielder makes a mistake and is unable to make the play. This can result in the opposing team being able to advance on the bases, and score runs.
Wild Pitches
Wild pitches are another way that the opposing team can score runs. Wild pitches occur when the pitcher throws a pitch that is too high or too low, and the catcher is unable to catch it. This can allow the opposing team to advance on the bases, and score runs.
Examples of Pitchers Who Threw a No-Hitter and Lost the Game
Now that we have a general understanding of how a pitcher can lose the game even when throwing a no-hitter, let us discuss some examples of pitchers who have done so.
Hiroki Kuroda
In 2008, Japanese pitcher Hiroki Kuroda threw a no-hitter against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched a full nine innings without allowing the Diamondbacks to get a hit. However, he still lost the game, as the Diamondbacks were able to score two runs off of walks, and one run off of an error.
Sam Brenegan
In 1971, minor league pitcher Sam Brenegan threw a no-hitter against the Modesto Reds. He pitched a full nine innings without allowing the Reds to get a hit. However, he still lost the game, as the Reds were able to score two runs off of wild pitches.
Ken Johnson
In 1964, Houston Astros pitcher Ken Johnson threw a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds. He pitched a full nine innings without allowing the Reds to get a hit. However, he still lost the game, as the Reds were able to score one run off of an error.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible for a pitcher to throw a no-hitter, and still lose the game. This is due to the fact that there are other ways that the opposing team can score runs, such as walks, errors, and wild pitches. While this is a rare occurrence, there have been several examples throughout history of pitchers throwing a no-hitter, but still losing the game.
FAQs
- What is a no-hitter? A no-hitter is when a pitcher pitches an entire game without allowing the opposing team to get a hit.
- How can a pitcher lose when throwing a no-hitter? A pitcher can lose when throwing a no-hitter if the opposing team is able to score runs off of walks, errors, and wild pitches.
- Are there examples of pitchers who threw a no-hitter and lost the game? Yes, there are several examples throughout history of pitchers throwing a no-hitter, but still losing the game.