Mike Fiers a No-Hitter versus Dodgers, 11th All-Time for Astros

Mike Fiers a No-Hitter versus Dodgers, 11th All-Time for Astros

Aug 21, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Mike Fiers (54) waves after pitching a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Minute Maid Park. The Astros defeated the Dodgers 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Many baseball fans have anticipated the Los Angeles Dodgers versus Houston Astros series as a clash between two interleague powerhouses. MLB Network was also broadcasting the game to a national audience, but the elite pitching matchups were supposed to be Saturday and Sunday. Mike Fiers in his third start with the Astros, was given the ball to open the series versus the former rivals in the 80’s. It was supposed to be a regular start for Fiers, but it turned into much more.

Mike Fiers had started his major league career with the Milwaukee Brewers before he was traded to the Houston Astros along with Carlos Gomez. They were traded for a package that included Brett Phillips, Josh Hader, Domingo Santana, and Brian Houser. Many fans, including myself, balked at the deal because these guys weren’t the star players that would justify the prospects given up. However, if Jeff Luhnow stayed pat and didn’t make any more trades besides Scott Kazmir, he would have answered questions the rest of the season and offseason.

Fiers has been a decent pitcher early in his career, but can be susceptible to the occasional stinker. When he was traded to the Astros, I thought it was good to get a player with a track record early in his career of success. Fiers is also under team control until the 2019 season. He has shown an ability to strike hitters out, despite having not having overpowering stuff.

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Before we talk about Friday’s start, let’s talk about Wednesday’s game. In the top of the 13th inning, Fiers was told to get his cleats on and head out to the bullpen as the Astros only had Tony Sipp available. Fiers did head out to the bullpen knowing that he probably would not be starting on Friday night if he came into the game. However, Josh Fields struck out the two batters he faced to retire the Tampa Rays. Carlos Correa got the game-winning hit to score Colby Rasmus for the winning run. Had Correa not gotten that hit, Fiers could have come into the game and would never have meet with his destiny.

Next: Friday August 21, 2015