Recap: Lincecum Dazzles in No-Hitter

Photo Courtesy: www.nydailynews.com

Tim Lincecum has recovered his magic. At least for one night. Although his fastball wasn't blowing away hitters the way it used to be, Lincecum did strike out 13 hitters in 9 no-hit innings. Yes, Tim Lincecum threw the 15th no-no in Giants history. 

On June 28, the Padres were 40-40, and looking to be the surprise team of the year. Since then, the Friars have gone 1-14 with a run differential of -54. And being no hit by a pitcher who hasn't had an ERA lower than 4 since 2011? That is a problem. A serious problem for the San Diego Padres.

But, overall, it was Lincecum's night. He did strike out 13, walked four, in 148 pitches (second most in a no-hitter). Edwin Jackson still will stay in the record books as the no-hitter with the most pitches (149). How dominating was Lincecum? Compare him to Homer Bailey, who threw a no-hitter on July 2, against the Giants and Lincecum. 

Bailey was only one walk from a perfect game, while Lincecum allowed four to reach via the base on balls. However, Bailey only struck out nine, and only one hitter with two or more strikeouts (Tim Lincecum, 2). Timmy, in his no-no, struck out thirteen and he struck out four hitters more than once (Amarista, Headley, Alanso, Rivera, 2). Both were dominating, both were magical, but I think Lincecum really put all his heart into every single of his 148 pitches. 

To supply the offense in the no-no, Hunter Pence lead the way with a HR and 5 RBI. Brandon Belt (2-4, 3 RBI), and Pablo Sandoval (3-4, RBI) supplied the offense in this 9-0 Giants win.