Joe Musgrove Pitches San Diego Padres’ 1st No Hitter

The San Diego Padres’ pitching staff underwent an extensive makeover in the 2020-21 off season as the club tried to keep up the momentum of its first playoff appearance since 2006. The club signed free agent closer Mark Melancon away from Atlanta, and acquired starters Blake Snell (from Tampa Bay), Yu Darvish (Cubs) and Joe Musgrove (Pittsburgh) via trades. While Snell and Darvish are the bigger names, Musgrove secured his place in San Diego history with his 2nd start of the season on April 9th against the Texas Rangers in Arlington.

Musgrove became the first pitcher to throw a no hitter for the Padres when he held the Rangers hitless in San Diego’s 3-0 victory. The club began play in the 1969 season and was the only major league franchise without a no hitter in its history until Musgrove’s gem. Musgrove struck out 10 in the game, and walked none. The only baserunner he allowed was a hit batsman in the fourth inning, which was all that kept him from pitching a perfect game.

Musgrove improved to 2-0 on the young season. He pitched six innings of shutout baseball in his 1st start against Arizona on April 3rd, allowing just three hits. In his 15 innings pitched this season, Musgrove has yet to walk a batter.