San Diego Padres: Joe Musgrove throws first no hitter in team history

The San Diego Padres have been in existence since 1969, a franchise entering their 52nd year. They have had some of the greats of the game, such as Mr. Padre Tony Gwynn, the brilliant Dave Winfield, and Hall of Fame closer Trevor Hoffman. Yet, they remain one of the teams left in Major League Baseball to have never won the World Series or to throw a no hitter.

While Padres’ fans are hoping that this is the year that their championship futility ends, the other streak has ended. Joe Musgrove dominated the Texas Rangers on Friday night, firing the first no hitter in team history.

Joe Musgrove makes San Diego Padres history

It is fitting that Musgrove would be the pitcher to end that run. He grew up in El Cajon, just 16 miles from Petco Park. If anyone was to end that run, having a home town kid making just his second appearance for the team do so is the stuff of storybooks.

Musgrove was not exactly challenged for much of the night. He threw 112 pitches, 77 for strikes. Overall, he struck out ten batters and did no allow a walk, with the only blemish on the night coming when he hit Joey Gallo with a pitch with two out in the bottom of the fourth inning.

A part of the Padres’ overhauled rotation, they could not have asked for a better start to his tenure with the team. He dominated in his first outing as well, allowing just three hits as he struck out eight in his six shutout innings. While other acquisitions may have received more attention, Musgrove has certainly proven himself thus far.

For Padres’ fans, this can be considered a sign of hope as well. The team was optimistic about their chances this offseason, even with the Dodgers’ own high profile moves. But sometimes, it takes a particular moment to change everything. Given the Padres’ history, getting this monkey off their back may be a sign of what is to come.

The streak is over. Joe Musgrove has fired the first no hitter in San Diego Padres history. Maybe this is a sign of things to come this year.