Texas Rangers: Yu Darvish flirts with a no-hitter

May 9, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(11) throws in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Global Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Yu Darvish came preposterously close to a no-hitter Friday night, again. Facing the Boston Red Sox, Darvish dominated the opposition for nine and two thirds innings, before David Ortiz beat the defensive shift to take away the no-no bid from Darvish.

A play which could’ve been a routine grounder had the Rangers not shifted into a rather irregular infield shape, in order to prevent Ortiz from getting a hit, was potentially the reason Darvish lost another chance to etch his name into the history books.

Actually, Darvish did etch his name into the history books, but for rather different reasons than he’d like. Darvish became one of very few pitchers to come within one out of a no-hitter, twice. On Opening Day last season, Darvish came within one out of having a perfect game against the Houston Astros.

Darvish lost his perfect game when some miscommunication between Alex Rios and Rougned Odor led to a dropped fly-ball in right field, which was scored an error, keeping his no-hitter alive. He’d end up walking the next batter and then another the following inning.

Darvish struck out ten, dazzling them with his heater, while throwing 126 pitches. His gem of a start was cut short when Ron Washington slowly walked out to the mound to remove Darvish, with Ortiz left on first base.

Darvish is still yet to pitch a complete game. If he continues to pitch like he has been over the past few years, he surely will finally get his perfect game/no-hitter.