In addition to seven no hitters, Nolan Ryan also threw 12 one hitters.
Anibal Sanchez came within three outs of pitching his second no hitter, but his attempt at history was thwarted by Dexter Fowler’s leadoff single in the ninth inning.
Had Sanchez been able to seal the deal in the final frame, he would have become only the 24th pitcher in major league history to record multiple no-hitters. All was not lost, however. By completing the game without surrendering another safety, Sanchez became only the 77th pitcher since 1919 to surrender no more than one hit in at least three complete games (and of that group, only 46 pitchers, including Sanchez, have thrown a no hitter). Although not exactly exclusive, the Marlins’ right hander still finds himself in rather select company.
When it comes to multiple no hitters, Nolan Ryan is usually the first name that comes to mind. In his long career, the Ryan Express threw an astounding seven hitless games, including at least one in three different decades and for three different teams. What almost seems more impressive, however, is he also had 12 near misses. In total, Ryan threw 19 complete games in which he surrendered one hit or less. Only Bob Feller, who had 14 such games, is within earshot of that remarkable accomplishment.
A lot of great pitchers have never thrown a no hitter (or even a one hitter for that matter), but of that group, no one came closer more often than Steve Carlton. During his career, Lefty had six one hitters, a total surpassed by only three other pitchers since 1919. At least Carlton was spared too much anguish in those games because on all six occasions, he never carried a no hitter past one out into the seventh inning.
Low Hit Leaders, Since 1919
Source: Baseball-reference.com
