While the Atlanta Braves have broken a lot of records and accumulated tons of hardware in recent years, one goal has remained elusive. For everything the Braves have accomplished, Atlanta has not thrown a no-hitter since the Braves' Kent Mercker no-hit the Dodgers back in 1994 (the second no-hitter of his career as it turns out).
It really looked like the Braves were going to finally pull it off on Saturday. However, they came up just one out short in the Braves 4-1 win over the Mets.
Braves dominate Mets, but lose no-hitter in the most brutal way possible
Fried was dialed in early on Saturday and the offense staked him to an early lead thanks to a two-run bomb from Orlando Arcia as well as a nice day from Michael Harris II at the plate. However, Saturday's game was about the pitching (and some nice defensive help), and what a performance it was.
An incredible catch from Michael Harris II to preserve the @Braves no-hit bid! pic.twitter.com/FSLeT4j712
— MLB (@MLB) May 11, 2024
Funnily enough, Fried very nearly had a no-hitter earlier this year before the Mariners ruined it for everyone. After Fried battled through seven no-hit innings on 109 pitches, Joe Jimenez came in for the eighth inning and while he gave Braves fans a heart attack a few times with a pair of walks, he was able to get through the inning with a zero still in the hits column for the Mets.
However, that meant the heart of New York's order was coming up and guys like Lindor and Alonso could be trouble. The Braves' offense did give the pitchers some time to breathe in the top of the ninth as they loaded the bases. Ronald Acuna Jr. drew a walk to force in a run to make it a 4-0 game, but it was up to Raisel Iglesias to close this thing out.
First up was Francisco Lindor and Iglesias retired him via strikeout. Pete Alonso made Iglesias throw some pitches but was retired on a groundout. JD Martinez was the last man standing for the Mets and in absolutely brutal fashion, he cranked a first-pitch fastball for a solo homer, ending the no-hit bid and shutout with one swing with just one out left.
Atlanta did win the game, albeit with a heavy dose of drama, with a 4-1 final.