The Houston Astros made some history on Monday night, throwing the first no-hitter of the 2026 MLB season. Houston defeated their interstate rivals, the Texas Rangers, by a score of 9-0, taking the first of a four-game set.
While no-hitters are few and far between, the feat was even more impressive considering that this combined no-hitter was bookended by two rookies, one of whom was making his MLB debut. Japanese pitcher Tatsuya Imai no-hit the Rangers through six innings, throwing 97 pitches and striking out two and walking four batters.
It wasn't the strongest line for Imai, but it was a nice rebound for the former Seibu Lion, who has openly struggled with the transition to the United States. Monday's no-hitter was the first in MLB since September 2024, when Imai's fellow countryman Shota Imanaga threw a combined no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs.
Steven Okert relieved Imai in the seventh inning, throwing a scoreless frame with one walk and one strikeout. This set the stage for a dramatic finish, with the Astros putting their trust in recently called-up Alimber Santa, their 16th-ranked prospect. The hard-throwing righty looked like a veteran on the mound, retiring six straight batters, including veterans Danny Jansen, Andrew McCutchen, and Joc Pederson.
Santa closed out the game in style, striking out former New York Met Brandon Nimmo looking. Not even an ABS challenge from Nimmo would deny Santa his place in the MLB history books on Monday. The final pitch was deemed a strike after video review, and the dugout swarmed the 23-year-old from Azua, Dominican Republic. Santa became the second player in MLB history to make his debut in a no-hitter, joining Bumpus Jones of the 1892 Cincinnati Reds.
Manager Joe Espada was asked about the no-hitter by reporters following the game, particularly about the role Santa played in it.
"Santa. Major league debut, finished a no-hitter. History." Espada said glowingly. "I haven't talked to him, but it's a big night for him and his family. I'm so proud of him. I've seen this kid for years, and to have this moment is huge for the organization and for him."
According to MLB.com's Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports), Monday's no-hitter gives the Astros a total of 18 since joining MLB in 1962. The next closest team over that span is the Los Angeles Dodgers with 13. They also now have five of the last eleven no-hitters, including the postseason, since 2022.
