Seattle Mariners: The Oprah of no hitters

We all remember how, when Oprah Winfrey was doing her own talk show, she would give anything and everything away. People would walk out with new cars, electronics, or various other items. Her popularity was such where companies would line up to have their merchandise given away, knowing that it would be a tremendous popularity boost.

The Seattle Mariners have become the Oprah of no hitters. It feels as though anyone facing them has the possibility of making history, with Mariner Moose standing atop the dugout with a bullhorn yelling “You get a no hitter!!! And you get a no hitter!!! Yes, you – you get a no hitter!!!”

Seattle Mariners – the team to face when you want a no hitter

Spencer Turnbull became the latest pitcher to achieve that feat against the Mariners, issuing two walks while striking out nine in his no hitter. He was helped by an excellent play by Jeimer Candelario on a sharp grounder off the bat of Mitch Haniger, but was in control for most of the game. That no hitter was the fourth time that the Mariners’ lineup had been rendered completely impotent in the past 171 games.

Just 13 days prior, the Mariners had been on the receiving end of another no hitter. John Means fired the Orioles first individual no hitter since Jim Palmer on August 13, 1969. The Mariners had only one baserunner in that game, reaching on a dropped third strike. That baserunner was later erased on a caught stealing attempt, allowing Means to face just 27 batters.

Prior to this season, the Mariners were no hit twice in 2019. The first time was a truly memorable moment, as the Angels were honoring fallen teammate Tyler Skaggs on July 12, with everyone on the roster wearing his number. Taylor Cole and Felix Pena combined for history that day, pitching the second combined no hitter against Seattle in franchise history.

The third came no even a month later. Aaron Sanchez, who was making his first start for the Astros, fired six no hit innings against the Mariners on August 3. Three relievers covered the final three innings, with Seattle falling 9-0. Clearly, if you are looking for a no hitter, the team to watch is in the Pacific Northwest.

The Seattle Mariners have been no hit four times since July 12, 2019. They have become the Oprah of no hitters, with everyone getting a piece of the action.