ARLINGTON, Texas — The Houston Astros have pitched several combined no-hitters — even one in the World Series. This latest gem, however, might have been the biggest surprise of all.
Japanese right-hander Tatsuya Imai threw six hitless innings after walking three of the first four batters he faced Monday night. Steven Okert then got three outs before Alimber Santa made his major league debut and retired the final six hitters to complete the Astros’ 17th regular-season no-hitter — four of them combined efforts — in a 9-0 win over the Texas Rangers.