It was a magical night for the Phillies in South Philadelphia Wednesday, with so many amazing moments. But none more exciting than Michael Lorenzen throwing his first no-hitter, walking just four hitters on the evening. This marks the 14th no-hitter in Phillies history.
The newly acquired starter impressed fans in his first start with the club, going a career-high eight innings and throwing 100+ pitches for just the second time this season. Well, the sequel was better than the debut as Lorenzen went the distance to finish the no-hitter, throwing the most pitches he has in his career with 124.
Lorenzen quickly adds himself into Phillies history
Tonight’s magic was the first no-hitter for the Phillies since recently retired Cole Hamels’ no-no at Wrigley Field back in 2015, his last start with Philadelphia. It was also the first at Citizens Bank Park since Roy Halladay in the 2010 NLDS against Lorenzen’s former team – the Cincinnati Reds.
The offense made it easy, putting up seven runs. 2023 was just his third major league season as a full-time starter, a huge part of his career being spent as a reliever. He kept Nationals hitters off balance all night long with his dominant change-up.
Lorenzen credits manager Rob Thompson’s confidence in him for being able to finish:
“I had a couple quick ones, so I just kept trying to make them quick. Thankfully, skip pulled me aside, and said ‘how you feelin.’ I said ‘I’m feeling good – it’s nice and cool outside, it’s not too hot and I’m recovering nicely so…just trying to buy some more innings and he gave it to me, so hats off to him.
– Michael Lorenzen, post-game on NBC Sports Philadelphia
There were so many great moments tonight, but the night belonged to Michael Lorenzen.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Matt Slocum
