Houston Astros Achieve No-Hit Shutout Against Texas Rangers

The Houston Astros secured their fourth consecutive win on Monday with a no-hit shutout against the Texas Rangers. Starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai led the charge, pitching six innings before relievers Steven Okert and Alimber Santa stepped in to maintain the no-hit game.

The Astros’ 9-0 victory highlighted the first no-hitter in Major League Baseball since September 2024, when Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers achieved a similar feat against the Pittsburgh Pirates. The last complete game no-hitter occurred in August 2024, courtesy of Blake Snell against the Cincinnati Reds.

During the game in Arlington, Texas, Imai threw the first pitch in the Astros’ 17th regular-season no-hitter and its fourth combined effort. A notable previous event was Houston’s no-hitter in the 2022 World Series, where four pitchers combined to defeat Philadelphia.

Okert took over in the seventh inning after Imai retired the last 16 batters he faced. Imai initially struggled, walking three of the first four batters but eventually recovered after a double play in the opening inning.

Alimber Santa made his major league debut in the eighth inning, retiring all six batters he faced. His 24th pitch resulted in a called third strike against Brandon Nimmo, confirming a no-hitter after an ABS challenge by the batter. Post-game, Santa was celebrated with a water dousing for his contribution to the team’s success.

The Texas Rangers faced their sixth no-hit game, last experiencing one in May 2021 when Corey Kluber no-hit them while playing for the New York Yankees.

Tatsuya Imai, at 28, is in his debut MLB season after transitioning from Japan. He joined the Astros in January under a $54 million, three-year deal, having previously been a three-time All-Star in Japan’s Pacific League.