Giants pitcher Blake Snell throws first career no-hitter in 3-0 win over Reds

It took more than 100 throws, but Blake Snell managed to throw the ball Friday night at Great American Ball Park.

The San Francisco Giants ace threw a no-hitter to lead them to a 3-0 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Friday. Snell struck out 11 and threw 114 pitches in the no-hitter, which was the first of his career and the 18th in Giants history. It was also the first time in Snell’s career that he completed eight innings.

It was the third no-hitter of the season. San Diego Padres star Dylan Cease threw one in their 3-0 win over the Washington Nationals last month. Astros pitcher Ronel Blanco began the year with a no-hitter on April 1, a move that put him in the rotation in Houston.

Snell threw 96 pitches over seven innings on Friday night and it looked like he might be pulled for the final two innings. He struck out nine and had walked three batters to that point while holding the Reds scoreless. But Snell returned to the mound for the eighth inning and kept his no-hitter bid alive while picking up his 10th strikeout of the night.

Despite never making it past the ninth inning in his career and already having thrown 108 pitches that night, Snell returned for the final inning. He quickly struck out Santiago Espinal and Jonathan India grounded out, bringing Reds star Elly de la Cruz to bat. He then drove the ball to right field on the first pitch, giving Snell the no-hitter.

Snell is in his first season with the Giants this summer. The two-time Cy Young Award winner entered the night with an 0-3 record and a 5.10 ERA in 10 starts over just under 48 innings pitched. He has been on the injured list several times this season, first with a left adductor strain and again with a groin injury.

The win, their sixth in their last seven games, moved the Giants to 55-56 on the season.

This post will be updated with more information soon.