Astros’ All-Time Best Seasons: Starting Pitchers

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1986: Mike Scott

May 15, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Detailed view of an official MLB baseball in a glove in the Atlanta Braves dugout prior to the game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The 1986 season was a memorable one in Houston, Texas. Filled with ups and downs, twists and turns, the ’86 Houston Astros were fun to watch with a dynamic pitching staff and solid lineup mixed with power and speed. Mike Scott was an absolute hero that season, even when compared to the likes of Nolan Ryan. Here are Mike Scott’s stats from the 1986 season:

  • 2.22 ERA (1st in NL)
  • 306 Strikeouts (1st in NL)
  • .186 Batting Average Against (1st in NL)
  • 18 Wins (3rd in NL)
  • 0.92 WHIP (1st in NL)
  • 7 Complete Games (8th in NL)
  • 5 Shutouts (1st in NL)
  • 275.1 Innings Pitched (1st in NL)
  • National League Cy Young Award Winner 
  • National League All Star
  • National League Championship Series Most Valuable Player
  • Houston Astros Most Valuable Player
  • Threw No Hitter to Clinch NL West Division Title (He was the 1st pitcher ever to do this)

Mike Scott’s arm was deadly in 1986, crushing the hopes and dreams of many hitters around the National League. Out of all of his accomplishments from 1986, Mike Scott will be known for his No Hitter against the San Francisco Giants to clinch the NL West and his dominant performances in Games 1 & 4 of the NLCS against the New York Mets. His season will be remembered for winning his matchup in Game 1 against the legendary Dwight Gooden and also for going the distance again in Game 4 in New York, getting the win on only three days of rest. Mike Scott was absolutely unhittable not only in the postseason, but also in the regular season. It’s unfortunate that the Astros were not able to get the win in Game 6 so that Scott could pitch Game 7 and dominate the Mets one more time.

Here’s a video of Mike Scott’s NL West-clinching No Hitter over the San Francisco Giants. This is only one example of the miraculous pitching performances that Scott had in 1986.

Next: 2004: Roger Clemens