Hisashi Iwakuma threw the fifth no-hitter in Mariners franchise history this afternoon against the Baltimore Orioles. At 34 years old, Iwakuma is the oldest player to throw a no-hitter since 40-year-old Randy Johnson threw a perfect game for the Diamondbacks in 2004. Although he walked three batters, Iwakuma struck out seven and had some good defense behind him.Austin Jackson recorded the final out, a soft pop fly from Gerardo Parra, but what's a no-hitter without a remarkable defensive play to help keep it intact?
Kyle Seager helped get the ball rolling in the ninth with a great over-the-shoulder catch for the first out. Seager ranged all the way over to the wall in foul territory between third base and left field and made a twisting catch just as the ball changed direction on him. It wasn't quite as stunning as Josh Donaldson's catch during a perfect game, but it was just as important, and helped secure the first no-hitter in the American League since Felix Hernandez did it in 2012.
[ESPN]