Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez was inches away from a historic second no-hitter for the franchise against division rivals Texas Rangers on Tuesday. However, his no-hitter bid came to a screeching halt after Rangers MVP Corey Seager blasted a two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth.
Astros Hall of Famer Don Wilson is the only pitcher in franchise history to have two no-hitters to his name. Valdez was just one out away from registering a second no-hitter and joining Wilson on the illustrious list but he could not contain the Rangers shortstop in the bottom ninth to the dismay of Astros fans.
Although the Astros managed to edge out a 4-2 win after a tense finale to the game, the night ended in disappointment for the Astros ace.
MLB fans poked fun after Framber Valdez's heartbreaking end to the game:
"Corey Seager out here doing the lords work."
"Thank you for your service," wrote another fan.
"Thats the way to break a no hitter," mocked a fan.
While several fans poked fun at the Astros ace, others also sympathized with him after missing out on the no-hitter:
"That’s gotta hurt so much," quipped a fan.
"My jaw dropped I can’t lie," wrote a shocked fan.
"1 out away sucks," lamented another fan.
Astros escape with narrow win after Framber Valdez's no-hit bid ended
Framber Valdez was taken off the mound after his no-hitter bid ended in the bottom ninth while the Rangers hoped for a remarkable turnaround. However, All-Star Astros closer Josh Hader saw the game out with the final out at Globe Life Field.
While Valdez's milestone night ended in disappointment, his Astros teammate Yordan Alvarez reached an impressive landmark after blasting a two-run shot at the top of the ninth. It was the former ALCS MVP's 150th career home run and his 21st of the season. It proved to be the difference at the end of the game.
The narrow 4-2 win means that the Astros (58-55) now have a 5.5 game lead over the Rangers (54-60) while being just one game behind American League East toppers Seattle Mariners (59-54).