Number 45 no-hits the Seattle Mariners

The Angels returned home for their first game since the passing of Tyler Skaggs to honor the memory of their fallen comrade and his family. Holding a ceremony to commemorate the player, the team would bestow the privilege of the first pitch upon Tyler’s mother, Debbie. Her strike signaled what was to come.

The top of the first passed without much to note. Taylor Cole was opening for Felix Peña as is customary and he picked up 3 painless outs.

The bottom, however, saw Mike Leake leave the game without recording 3 outs. The Angels scored 7 to destroy the confidence of those in Washington. It was highlighted by this bomb that was 45 front and back (454).

But the rout wasn’t the story. The 13 run advantage meant nothing.

The top of the second passed by without any threat.

The top of the third passed by tamely as well.

The top of the fourth was silent.

The top of the fifth saw a walk and then fell quiet.

The top of the sixth was lifeless.

The top of the seventh had an air of wonder.

By the eighth inning, I don’t think a single soul doubted what was to come.

In the ninth, Tyler Skaggs threw the 11th no-hitter in Angels history through conduits Taylor Cole and Felix Peña. No words can effectively describe what we all witnessed here tonight.

Here is the final pitch for your viewing pleasure forever.