Everyone knew about the collapse part two. 16 games over .500, only to fall under the mark. The worst collapse in baseball history as pointed out by Jayson Stark. Technically, the Pirates would still be able to avoid it. They just had to win six of their last six games against two teams who have clinched playoff berths.
To reference Dumb and Dumber: So you’re telling me there’s a chance?
The most loyal Pirates fans kept the faith, even if they really didn’t believe it. Even if the Pirates won five of their last six games, they could at least go 81-81. But the realism has set in on this season. It happened again. Tonight however, it was only fitting that the Pirates would lose their 81st game in style.
For the first time since 1971, the Pirates were no-hit.
41 years ago, it was done by Bob Gibson. This time around, it was done by a man named Homer. I guess it’s only fitting to say ‘D’oh’ after this one.
The 26-year-old Homer Bailey silenced the Pirates bats to start off the final homestand of the season. Bailey would only allow two runners throughout the entire game. A Scott Rolen error in the third inning would allow Clint Barmes to reach first, and a walk to Andrew McCutchen would be the only other time a Pirates runner would find themselves on the base paths.
Bailey said he was aware of the fact that he could make history.
“I knew I had a chance at the no-hitter in the sixth inning,” Bailey told reporters. “I looked up at the scoreboard and was like ‘wow, this is happening.'”
Opposing Bailey for the Pirates was A.J. Burnett who was searching for his 17th win of the season. Burnett ran into trouble in the first inning as he loaded up the bases full of red stockings. Luckily for Burnett and the Pirates, he was able to minimize the damage and allow just one run that inning and the entire game.
Burnett never likes to lose, but said if he has to, this way is ok.
“It was a tough night,” Burnett said following the game. “I guess if you’re going to lose a game like that, that’s the way you want to lose it.”
Bailey also tipped his cap to Burnett on a great pitching duel following the game.
For the Pirates, this marks the third time they have gathered one hit or less during a game. James McDonald recorded the only hit during Matt Cain’s perfect game bid in the first week of the season. Then in Detroit, Josh Harrison notched a pinch-hit single off of Justin Verlander in the ninth inning to stop him in his tracks.
Pirates’ manager Clint Hurdle said following the Detroit game that it was bittersweet because, and I’m paraphrasing here, he wouldn’t mind being a part of history with the no-hitter.
Well Clint, you made history twice tonight. One with the no-hitter and one with the biggest collapse in history.
Congrats.
Photo Credits: NBC Sports
