Adrian Sampson came within two outs of throwing a complete game no-hitter on Friday night for Altoona. It’s not often a pitcher goes nine innings to begin with, and most minor league no-hitters involve multiple pitchers or a shortened game. All the details of the game can be found here, along with the history of recent Pirates no-hitters in the minors. Below are three clips from the ninth inning of Sampson’s gem.
The first out of the ninth inning was a diving play at third base by Jarek Cunningham to preserve the no-hitter. He was the third player the Curve used at third base in the game due to some defensive switches earlier in the game.
The next batter was Mike Yastrzemski, the grandson of HOF’er Carl Yastrzemski. He was playing in just his second AA game on Friday and coming off a four hit night in his Bowie debut. Yastrzemski breaks up the no-hitter with this double.
The final out of the complete game shutout.
