Iwakuma Tosses No-Hitter In Seattle's 3-0 Win Over Orioles
SEATTLE (AP) -- Hisashi Iwakuma became the second Japanese-born pitcher in major league history to throw a no-hitter, leading the Seattle Mariners to a 3-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles on Wednesday.
Iwakuma struck out seven and walked three in the fourth no-hitter this season and first by an American League pitcher in nearly three years. Hideo Nomo threw two no-nos after starting his career in his home country of Japan.
"I was aware of it obviously, but I felt it real deep in my heart in the ninth inning," Iwakuma said through a translator. "Just focusing on one hitter at a time and I'm glad I got it done."
Philadelphia's Cole Hamels -- prior to his trade to Texas -- Washington's Max Scherzer and San Francisco's Chris Heston all tossed no-hitters this season.
Third baseman Kyle Saeger made a nifty over the shoulder catch in foul territory to start the ninth, but the 34-year-old Iwakuma needed little help in completing his first career complete game and the Mariners' fifth no-hitter.
Teammate Felix Hernandez's perfect game against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 15, 2012, was the last time an AL pitcher did not allow a hit. There have been 15 no-hitters by NL pitchers since then.
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