Title: Alex Cobb Falls One Out Short of No-Hitter in Spectacular Complete Game Against the Reds
Date: Aug 30, 2023
San Francisco – In a thrilling display of pitching mastery, Alex Cobb came tantalizingly close to throwing a no-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday night. Cobb’s incredible performance, combined with a stellar defensive play, left fans in awe and solidified his place in baseball history.
Cobb’s near-no-hitter came to an end with just one out remaining in the ninth inning when Spencer Steer doubled. Despite missing out on the historic achievement, Cobb still delivered a spectacular complete game, throwing a career-high 131 pitches, with 83 of them being strikes.
The 35-year-old right-hander showed incredible focus and determination throughout the game. Cobb later expressed his gratitude towards his teammates and Giants manager Gabe Kapler for their faith in him and their contributions to the memorable performance.
Center fielder Austin Slater played a crucial role in preserving Cobb’s bid for a no-hitter. He made a stunning diving catch in the eighth inning, denying Cincinnati’s Will Benson of a base hit. Even Kapler thought the ball would drop, but Slater’s exceptional play added to the excitement and set the stage for Cobb’s near-historic achievement.
Although Cobb fell just short of throwing the first no-hitter for the San Francisco Giants since 2015, he remained positive and focused, acknowledging the support he received from the crowd. Fans chanted his name after Steer’s hit, recognizing the magnificence of his performance.
Cobb’s performance showcased his impressive split-finger fastball, which baffled Reds hitters throughout the game. His stellar outing almost added him to the list of the five no-hitters thrown in the majors this season.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on a no-hitter, Cobb was proud of his accomplishments and remained focused on finishing the game strong. He struck out Elly De La Cruz for his eighth strikeout of the night, securing his first win in nine starts.
Kapler’s decision to keep Cobb in the game despite his high pitch count demonstrated his belief in Cobb’s abilities. The manager’s confidence paid off, as Cobb continued to dominate the Reds’ lineup and provide a thrilling show for the fans.
Cobb’s memorable outing was also marked by a scoring controversy in the third inning. The official scorer initially awarded a single to Nick Senzel, which was later changed to an error. Although the play had no impact on Cobb’s dominant performance, it added an intriguing twist to an already captivating game.
As the crowd erupted in cheers after Slater’s outstanding catch, it became clear that Cobb’s performance would be remembered for years to come. Despite falling just short of a no-hitter, Cobb’s near-perfect game against the Reds will go down as one of the most memorable pitching performances of the season.
With Patrick Bailey hitting a two-run homer to contribute to the Giants’ 6-1 victory, Cobb’s efforts were celebrated by his teammates and fans alike. His outstanding pitching and the outstanding defensive play by the Giants made for an unforgettable night at the ballpark.
Overall, Cobb’s near no-hitter against the Reds showcased his incredible talent and resilience. His remarkable performance will be remembered as a testament to the greatness of the game and the sheer joy it can bring to players and fans alike.