In a remarkable performance, Philadelphia pitcher Michael Lorenzen tossed a no-hitter as the Phillies cruised to a dominant 7-0 victory over the Washington Nationals.
Lorenzen’s sensational performance marks the 14th no-hitter in Phillies history and comes only in his second start with his new team.
Lorenzen’s displayed masterful control on the mound. The 31-year-old right-hander struck out five, walked four and did not allow a single hit all game long.
HE DID IT!
Michael Lorenzen has thrown the 14th no-hitter in Phillies history! pic.twitter.com/MXnZy6WY48
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) August 10, 2023
His recent acquisition from Detroit at the trade deadline for a minor leaguer has proven to be a game-changer for the playoff-seeking Phillies.
Lorenzen’s 124 pitches in the game, a career high for him, set a new benchmark for this season and stood as the most pitches thrown in a solo no-hitter since Mike Fiers’ remarkable 131-pitch performance in 2019.
Lorenzen’s perseverance and stamina were evident as he pushed through the challenging moments to secure his place in history.
UN. REAL. 🔥
Welcome to Philly, Michael Lorenzen!
NTT #BallparkCam | @Phillies | #RingTheBell pic.twitter.com/QokHMfPHNf
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) August 10, 2023
“I didn’t strike out the world in this game. When you are pitching, balls can land in different places. I just had God’s grace today,” Lorenzen humbly acknowledged after the game.
The final moments of the game were not just a celebration for Lorenzen but also a heartwarming scene for his family. As he retired Dominic Smith on a flyball to end the game, Lorenzen’s mother, Cheryl, and wife, Cassi, couldn’t contain their emotions.
Cassi held their 9-month-old daughter, June, as they shared in the exhilarating moment of historic triumph.
The ecstatic atmosphere at Citizens Bank Park resonated with Lorenzen, who expressed his gratitude for the unwavering support of the fans: “Walking out for the seventh, eighth and ninth, man, these fans. I’ve never been part of an organization where fans are a part of the team,” Lorenzen said.
“They gave me that boost that I needed.. If you are feeling fatigued, you don’t feel it at all in front of these fans.”
Lorenzen’s achievement carries significant weight for the Phillies, who are in a heated battle with the San Francisco Giants for the top wild-card spot.
The right-hander’s ability to stabilize the rotation and deliver under pressure positions him as a key player in the Phillies postseason aspirations.
If Lorenzen keeps this level of performance up, are the Phillies legitimate World Series contenders?