Cody Bellinger throws out Stephen Strasburg at First Base To Keep the No Hitter Alive, A Breakdown

In a tightly contested game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Washington Nationals, Dodgers starting pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu is working on a no-hitter through five and two-thirds innings. In the bottom of the sixth inning, Nationals pitcher Stephen Strasburg steps to the plate with one out. Strasburg pokes a base hit into right field, breaking up Ryu's no-hit bid. However, Dodgers right fielder Cody Bellinger has other ideas. He quickly fields the ball and throws a strike to first base, trying to nab the slow-footed Strasburg. Ryu appears unsure of the play, not reacting immediately, but Dodgers third base coach Alex Cora enthusiastically applauds Bellinger's effort to keep the no-hitter intact. The Nationals challenge the close play at first base and the umpires review the call. Replay angles show the ball arriving at first base just a fraction of a second before Strasburg's foot hits the bag. The umpires ultimately rule Strasburg out, preserving Ryu's no-hit bid. "That's the ball and glove right there and the foot is so close," the announcer says as the replay is scrutinized. "I have no idea, I think he's out. There's the ball in the back pocket and is his heel touching right there? Who knows?" After the call stands, Strasburg accepts the decision, saying, "Yep, easy-peasy. Two outs, I got him now." The pitcher is visibly relieved to have the burden of the no-hitter lifted, allowing him to refocus on the game. Ryu goes on to lose the no-hitter in the later innings, but the Dodgers maintain their lead and secure the victory. Cody Bellinger's heads-up defensive play in the sixth inning proves crucial in keeping Ryu's no-hit bid alive for as long as possible, showcasing the team's defensive prowess and determination to support their starting pitcher.