The American Spectator

Six days ago, my Dad and I watched Johan Santana pitch a complete game, four-hit shutout against the San Diego Padres at CitiField.

I wrote, “Very, very impressive. The only question is if he can sustain this over an entire season.”

Tonight, Johan Santana threw a no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals. He struck out World Series MVP David Freese to end the ballgame. It is the first no-hitter in the Mets 50-year history. It’s amazing that the likes of Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden, Ron Darling, David Cone, Frank Viola and Al Leiter never tossed a no-hitter while in a Mets uniform.

It is the third no-hit game of the 2012 season. Chicago White Sox pitcher Philip Humber tossed a perfect game against the Seattle Mariners in April while Los Angeles Angels ace Jered Weaver threw a no-hitter against the Minnesota Twins in May.

It is worth noting that Santana walked five batters in his no-hitter and threw 134 pitches. Last Saturday, it only took 96 pitches (none of them resulting in a walk) to dispatch of the Padres. Still, a no-hitter is a no-hitter and I wish I had been there to see it.

UPDATE: This no-hitter wasn’t without controversy. In the top of the sixth, ex-Met Carlos Beltran hit what appeared to a double down the left field line. However, third base umpire Adrian Johnson called it foul. The replay showed the ball hit the chalk. Cardinals manger Mike Matheny and third base coach Jose Oquendo protested but to no avail. MLB instant replay only applies to homerun calls. The call stood and so did the no-hitter.

UPDATE II: Mets leftfielder Mike Baxter made a spectacular catch to preserve the no-hitter. Unfortunately, Baxter will pay a steep price for making Mets history. Baxter has injured his left shoulder and broken several ribs. He will miss at least six weeks of action.