Greinke Takes No-Hitter into the 9th, M's Shutout Again 3-0

Story from Associated Press:

SEATTLE — Houston’s Zack Greinke came within two outs of his first career no-hitter before Austin Nola singled in the ninth inning in the Astros’ 3-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.

Houston posted its franchise-high 104th win and moved one step closer to home-field advantage throughout the postseason, but barely missed out on a third no-hitter this year.

Greinke was brilliant in overwhelming the Mariners, but Seattle was able to avoid becoming the first team to be no-hit three times in a season.

Greinke walked out for the ninth to applause from the orange-shirted Astros fans sticking around as part of the small crowd. Tom Murphy grounded out to open the inning and Greinke went to 3-2 on Nola, but the rookie was able to dump a liner into shallow left-center field. Center fielder Jake Marisnick made a diving attempt but came up well short and pounded his fist on his leg.

Nola had been hitless in his previous 16 at-bats. Greinke gave up another single to Tim Lopes and was replaced after throwing 108 pitches.

Greinke (18-5) finished with nine strikeouts and only one walk. Will Harris struck out Shed Long and J.P. Crawford lined out to end the game.

Winning Pitcher, (18-5) Zack Greinke: 8.1 IP, 0 ER, 9 K, 1 BB

Losing Pitcher, (6-11) Yusei Kikuchi: 1.0 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB

Save, (3) Will Harris: 0.2 IP, 0 ER, 1 K, 0 BB

The Mariners will take on the Oakland A’s at home tomorrow for the final series of the season. Pregame coverage begins tomorrow at 6 p.m. on Freedom 970.

Here are the highlights from the game:

Top 1st… Bregman RBI double, 1-0 Astros