San Francisco Giants right-hander Alex Cobb came an out away from recording a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds in a 6-1 victory on Tuesday night (box score).
Cobb did not surrender a hit until two outs in the ninth inning, when Reds second baseman Spencer Steer drove a ball to right field that evaded outfielder Luis Matos. Cobb also walked a batter in the ninth. Previously, the only thing that had separated him from a perfect game bid was a fielding error by third baseman Casey Schmitt.
Here are three things worth knowing about Cobb's near no-no.
The Giants as a franchise recorded four no-hitters from 2012-2015. They haven't recorded a single one since. Cobb's would've broken that drought and become the 18th in franchise history. Alas, Chris Heston will remain the most recent no-no thrown by a Giants hurler.
It's worth noting that prior to Jonathan Sanchez's no-hitter in 2009, the Giants had not notched a no-no since 1976. In other words, this no-no-hitter streak isn't even close to the longest stretch the Giants have endured.
Arguably more important than the no-no bid was the playoff implications that the Giants-Reds entertained on Tuesday. The Giants entered the evening a game up on the Reds, with both teams situated outside of the wild card race. The victory means that the Giants are now 1 ½ games up.
The Diamondbacks were heading for a loss against the Dodgers, meaning that the Giants will enter Wednesday with possession of the third and final wild card spot.
The Reds, meanwhile, will now be a little further back than they would have been with a victory.
Cobb was attempting to throw the fifth of this Major League Baseball season. Domingo Germán (Yankees), Framber Valdez (Astros), Michael Lorenzen (Phillies), and a combined effort by the Detroit Tigers have been the others to date. All but Germán's have been thrown in July or August.
You can relive CBS Sports' live coverage of Cobb's attempt below.
They didn't get the no-hitter, but they are seemingly going to move into possession of the third and final wild card spot by virtue of their victory and the Diamondbacks' impending loss. If you ask us, that's more important anyway.
Here's a look at the hit that broke up the no-no bid:
Alex Cobb was an out away. Alas, tonight just wasn't meant to be.
Steer breaks up the no-no with a hit to right.
Cobb nearly violated the pitch clock on the first pitch to Steer but threw a strike anyway.
Spencer Steer's time to shine (or not).
Friedl hits another weak fly to right for the second out of the inning. Cobb is an out away from a no-no.
Now a 1-2 count on Friedl as he hits a foul ball down the third-base line -- but just barely.
Cobb has thrown 121 pitches.
TJ Friedl is up to bat. Senzel is on first. One out.
Cobb walks Senzel. First hit, walk, or HBP tonight.
Cobb nearly hit Senzel there with a splitter. Falls behind 2-1 in the count.
Nick Senzel now up to bat.
Marte hits an easy fly to right field for an out. Cobb is two away.
Noelvi Marte is in the box. Let's get it going.
Cobb's career-high in pitches is 117. No one is up in the Giants bullpen.
He's thrown 113 through eight. That's a season-high. He'd previously topped out at 109.
Here we go.
The Giants have thrown 17 no-hitters in franchise history. None since Chris Heston in 2015.
I suppose I should note, welcome to our live blog coverage of Alex Cobb's attempted no-hitter. He's through eight. He would be perfect if not for a fielding error. We'll be here up until the final out, one way or another.
It's now 6-0.
