Al Bello/Getty Images
Facing a 2-1 deficit in the World Series, the Houston Astros need to be close to perfection in Game 4 on Wednesday to avoid being pushed to the brink of elimination. Starting pitcher Christian Javier and the team’s bullpen did just that. The 25-year-old right-handed pitcher pitched six no-hitters with nine strikeouts and two walks to help the Space The Phillies beat the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 to tie the series to 2-2.
Three relievers complete Houston’s combined no-hitter for the second time in World Series history, adding Don Larson’s perfect match in 1956.
Javier is the first pitcher in MLB history to pitch five or more innings while being in the World Series Recorded nine strikeouts in the game, according to FOX televised (h/t Sports News MLB). He was also the first pitcher to go without a hit in six innings in the World Series since 1969, according to MLB’s Sarah Langs.
Houston reliever Brian Abreu hits sideline in seventh inning to continue bid, Rafael Montero It was followed by a clean eighth inning. Ryan Pressly allowed a walk in the ninth but managed to close the game.
A performance like this is just what the Astros need after Lance McCalles on Tuesday Five home runs in a 7-0 loss in Game 3. Javier’s dominance paved the way for Houston’s hitters to wake up on the plate. MLB tweets have no choice but to praise Javier’s historic Wednesday night outing :
ESPN Stats & Info@ESPNStatsInfo
The Astros are the first team in MLB history to throw a no-hitter in the playoffs.
Christian Javier also started Houston’s no-hitter on the 25th against the Yankees in June.
No pitcher has started multiple combined no-hitters in their careers…until tonight. pic.twitter.com/xMKIa8CmGd
Mark Berman@MarkBermanFox26
Cristian Javier Brilliant: 6ip, 0H, 0R, 2BB, 9K
CBS Sports @CBSSports
Christian Javier makes the Phillies tonight The bat keeps silent pic.twitter.com/SR5OG78HH8
ESPN Stats & Info@ESPNStatsInfo
Christian Javier is the second pitcher in World Series history to go without a hit in 6 or more innings.
Another…Don Larson’s Perfect Match 1956. pic.twitter.com/EEP7kb5KO3
Houston [email protected] Christian Javier.
Robert Murray@ByRobertMurray
Cristian Javier had no hits in five innings. He had nine strikeouts. He’s just what the Astros need tonight.
Cespedes Family BBQ @CespedesBBQ
Lance McCullers Jr. threw 5 pitches, whether he tipped or not, the Phillies are ready to destroy either of them
Christian Javier throws 2 pitches, Phillies make it seem like no chance
Jared Karabis @Jared_Carrabis
Cristian Javier doesn’t get enough credit for owning the league Some of the worst shit ever. I attribute it to him having players all over the rotation, but Javier is disgusting.
Michael Schwab @michaelschwab13 Christian Javier has ace material.
Dave Uram @MrUram
The Phillies have no answer for Christian Javier. They were missing the battable fastball and didn’t make a significant contact on anything.
Devin Fink @DevanFink
Cristian Javier is opening a clinic. The Phillies only put in 6 balls, and the ball speeds were: 99.5, 89.1, 86.7, 64.0, 62.7, 54.9. Highest xBA of any Philadelphia bat: 0.090.
Andrew Simon@AndrewSimonMLB Expected batting average against Javier so far:
.090
.070
.030
.030
.010
.000
LOL
Danielle Lerner@danielle_lerner
Christian Javier has retired eight straight hitters in that span with six strikeouts, including five straight Ks.
Jason Stark@jaysonst
Christian Javier in this postseason:
face 38 batsmen
2 hits
14 strikeoutsThe Phillies are 0-for-12 from the field with 7 strikeouts against him tonight via 4 IPs.
NBC Sports Philadelphia @NBCSPhilly
Must stop Christian Javier
Corpus Christi Hooks @cchooks
Cristian Javier is definitely DEALIN’‼ ️ pic.twitter.com/AOsAn4W1q9
Climbing Taal Mountain @astrosCTH
As the Astros season looms, Christian Javier just had one of the greatest starts in World Series history. Astronaut fans, don’t take for granted what we’re witnessing in this golden age. Every night is an opportunity for history.
Jon Morosi @jonmorosi
Cristian Javier gets $10,000 signing bonus to go pro because he’s great @TMacPhils a> Annotated on #Phillies radio broadcast.
Great backdrop for an extraordinary story. @MLBNetwork
Matt Eddy@MattEddyBA
Cristian Javier has averaged a .178 for opponents in his career. That’s the lowest among MLB pitchers with 300 IPs since 2020.
Do you know what is crazy? Javier leads the minor leagues in 2019 with a .130 AVG.
This is the lowest AVG I could find for a qualified MiLB pitcher – 0.022! –
Astros in 6 @AstrosOptimism2
Christian Javier is currently the best pitcher on the planet
𝐅𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐊𝐈𝐄 @FrankiesTwoLoud
Many nations are learning Christian Javier tonight…ace
With a staff that includes AL Cy Young Award candidates Justin Verlander and Framber Valdez, Javier is a bit of a forgotten man in Houston’s rotation. However, he showed the potential to be the ace of any pitcher in the major leagues.
Javier tied with Valdez for 194 regular-season strikeouts (nearly 54 fewer innings) ), he also started a no-hitter on June 25 against the New York Yankees.
Wednesday’s game was a star show for Javier and a series saver for the Astros Contest. Teams are now guaranteed to play at least one more game at home.
Houston will maintain momentum in Game 5 on Thursday at Citizens Bank Park.