Mike Fiers Throws A No-hitter with Some Help From Pine Tar, A Breakdown

Oakland Athletics pitcher Mike Fiers takes the mound for the start of his no-hit bid against the Cincinnati Reds. In the top of the first inning, Fiers struggles a bit with his control, briefly using some pine tar on the baseball to get a better grip. He quickly settles in, striking out the first batter he faces. In the top of the fourth inning, Fiers allows his first baserunner on a ground ball up the middle. However, the Athletics' defense makes a spectacular play to record the out. Cincinnati's Joey Votto then hits a deep fly ball, but Oakland outfielder Ramon Laureano makes a fantastic catch to rob him of a hit. Fiers continues to dominate, mixing his pitches effectively and keeping the Reds' hitters off balance. As the game progresses, the tension builds, with Fiers just four outs away from completing the no-hitter. In the top of the ninth inning, the Reds' Yasiel Puig steps to the plate. Fiers pauses briefly to re-grip the baseball, using some pine tar to ensure he has maximum control. He then delivers the pitch and Puig fouls it off. Fiers quickly re-grips the ball again, determined to finish off the historic feat. The next pitch is fouled off as well, but Fiers remains composed. He regrips the ball one more time and delivers the final pitch, inducing a routine groundout to secure the no-hitter. As his teammates mob him on the mound, Fiers reflects on his achievement, saying, "Every no-hitter's got a beautiful play or two and there was a very nice play" in reference to the defensive gems made by his teammates. While Fiers' use of pine tar may draw some criticism, the right-hander is simply focused on the fact that he has just thrown the fifth no-hitter of his MLB career. It's a remarkable accomplishment and one that will be remembered for years to come.