A’s lefty Jeffrey Springs loses a no-hit bid in the seventh inning against the Yankees

The New York Yankees were on the verge of being no-hit by Athletics pitcher Jeffrey Springs on Thursday, but their hopes were dashed in the seventh inning when Ben Rice hit a single to break up the no-hitter. Springs had been cruising through the game, holding the Yankees hitless until that crucial moment.

The drama began to unfold when Springs walked Giancarlo Stanton after a close call that went against the A’s on an ABS challenge. With one out and a runner on base, Rice stepped up to the plate and connected with an 83 mph slider, sending it cleanly into right field for a single. The hit not only ended Springs’ no-hit bid but also gave the Yankees a glimmer of hope as they trailed 1-0 at that point.

Despite allowing the hit, Springs had put on a stellar performance up to that point. He had managed to keep the Yankees off balance, allowing only two baserunners earlier in the game. He showcased his pitching prowess by getting key strikeouts and inducing flyballs to keep the Yankees at bay.

The A’s have a history of no-hitters, with 13 in franchise history. The most recent one was achieved by Mike Fiers on May 7, 2019, against the Cincinnati Reds. On the other hand, the Yankees have been on the receiving end of no-hitters eight times in their team history, with the most recent one being a combined effort by Houston’s pitchers on June 25, 2022.

Despite the disappointment of losing the no-hit bid, Springs can take pride in his strong outing against a formidable opponent like the Yankees. His performance serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of baseball and the fine margins between success and disappointment in the sport.

Overall, it was a memorable game that showcased the excitement and tension that comes with the pursuit of a no-hitter. While Springs fell just short of achieving that milestone, his performance will be remembered as a standout moment in the season.