Homer Bailey Twirls No-Hitter

Sep 12, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Homer Bailey (34) pitches during the first inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

Cincinnati Reds right hander Homer Bailey tossed a no-hitter on Friday night at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. It was the 15 no-hitter in franchise history and the first since Tom Browning threw a perfect game in September of 1988.

It took Bailey 115 pitches to complete his gem. He walked one and struck out ten to earn his 13th win of the season. For a former first-round pick whose career had been a bit of a disappointment, the gem caps a breakout campaign.

The game was no without controversy, however. In the bottom of the third, shortstop Clint Barmes smoked a ground ball down the third base line. Scott Rolen took a step to his right and slid toward the line in an attempt to backhand the smash, but it careened off Rolen’s glove. The official scorer ruled the play an error. It sure looked like a hit to me.

Bailey improved to 5-0 career at PNC Park. The loss was Pittsburgh’s 81st of the year, ensuring a 20th consecutive non-winning season.