Ryan Verdugo throws first perfect game in CPBL history

Ryan Verdugo may have had an eminently forgettable career stateside, but he made history in the Chinese Professional Baseball League on Sunday by throwing the first perfect game in league history.

There was a time when Ryan Verdugo was considered a viable major league prospect. He was sent to the Royals along with Jonathan Sanchez by the Giants as they brought in Melky Cabrera to solidify the outfield. The trade proved to be a disaster for Kansas City, as Sanchez imploded. As for Verdugo? He made just one appearance at the major league level, allowing six runs on eight hits and two walks in 1.2 innings before being banished to the minors, never to return to the major league level.

After bouncing around different organizations and the Mexican League, Verdugo found himself in the Chinese Professional Baseball League. It did not take him long to find success there, as he made history on Sunday night, throwing the first perfect game in league history.

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As it was, Verdugo needed some help in order to get that perfect game. As the Uni-Lions were scoreless heading into the bottom of the ninth inning, Verdugo had the potential to be Harvey Haddix‘d, where nine perfect innings just were not enough. However, third baseman Kuo Fu-Lin took a hanging 0-2 curve deep to center for a walkoff homer, allowing Verdugo to make history in style.

More often than not, a perfect game is considered an incredible individual effort for the pitcher. And yet, we see incredible plays to preserve those games, such as when DeWayne Wise made that sensational leaping grab in Mark Buehrle‘s perfect game. Unless the pitcher strikes out every batter, the defense contributes.

In this case, it was a matter of getting the offense to do their part as well. The Uni-Lions were quiet up until that last inning, when one mistake made the difference. Verdugo was able to make history, and come away with a hotly contested victory as a result of his gem.

Ryan Verdugo may be remembered for his disastrous major league appearance, but he made history on Sunday, throwing the first perfect game in the history of the CPBL.