Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick threw a tremendous game on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles. He had a no-hitter heading into the ninth inning before giving up a single to the first batter of the inning. Nevertheless, Messick competed eight-plus innings while striking out nine hitters. The Guardians won the game 4-2.
After the contest, Guardians manager Stephen Vogt reacted to Messick’s performance, via Mason Horodyski.
“He pushes the tempo,” Vogt said. “He dictates how quick that game is going to go, attacks the strike zone… That was very special what we got to watch tonight. That’s an unbelievably talented lineup that he took a no-hitter into the ninth against. Just continued to attack, continued to give them different looks throughout the whole game… That was a beautiful, beautiful game.”
While Messick would have surely loved to have finished with a no-hitter, he still gave the Guardians an opportunity to win. In the end, that is what matters.
Cleveland is now 11-9 overall and in second place in the American League Central division. As for Messick, the 25-year-old left-hander has been incredible to begin the new campaign. He has pitched to a stellar 1.05 ERA across 25.2 innings of work on the mound. Messick also has 25 strikeouts.
The Guardians will host the Orioles once again on Friday in the second of a four-game series. Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee — who has struggled this year as evidenced by his 6.38 ERA — will look to follow Messick’s outing with a strong performance as well. First pitch is scheduled for 6:10 PM EST at Progressive Field on Friday night.
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick threw a tremendous game on Thursday against the Baltimore Orioles. He had a no-hitter heading into the ninth inning before giving up a single to the first batter of the inning. Nevertheless, Messick competed eight-plus innings while striking out nine hitters. The Guardians won the game 4-2.