Williams Nearly No-Hits Mets in Historic Stretch

Post by : Monika

Photo: AP

On a warm Wednesday night at Citi Field in New York, Gavin Williams, a rising star pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians, came just two outs away from throwing a no-hitter against the New York Mets. It would have been the first no-hitter for the Guardians since 1981, a moment the team and fans have been waiting over four decades to witness.

This near-perfect game had everyone on edge—from teammates to fans in the stands. Although Williams narrowly missed his chance at a historic night, his performance was unforgettable.

Fast Start with High Energy
The game began with excitement right from the first pitch. Gavin Williams had to stay sharp early on, especially when Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso hit hard line drives straight at him. Williams didn’t panic—he caught them both with quick reflexes and strong focus.

Those early plays were a good sign that he had what it took to keep the Mets off the scoreboard.

Dominating Through the Middle Innings
As the game moved forward, Williams only got stronger. By the sixth inning, he had already thrown six scoreless innings, allowing no hits, three walks, and collecting five strikeouts.

The Guardians’ defense also stepped up to help. In the seventh inning, C.J. Kayfus, playing in right field, made a diving catch that kept the no-hitter alive. At this point, fans started to realize they were watching something truly special.

Heartbreak in the Ninth
Heading into the ninth inning, the no-hitter was still alive. Williams got Francisco Lindor out with a strikeout, bringing him just two outs away from history.

But that’s when Juan Soto stepped up to the plate. Soto hit a powerful home run that traveled 420 feet, soaring over center field just beyond Angel Martínez's reach. With that one swing, the no-hitter was gone.

Despite the disappointment, Williams stayed in the game. He faced two more batters—he got Pete Alonso out and walked Brandon Nimmo, his third walk of the night. After that, his manager took him out of the game. He had thrown 126 pitches, the most of his career.

Crowd Shows Respect
Even though the no-hitter was lost, something amazing happened. The Mets fans—usually cheering for their own team—stood and clapped as Williams walked off the mound. It was a rare and special moment. They respected his hard work and near-historic performance.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised Williams after the game. He said that Williams showed courage, strength, and heart, and that the whole team was proud of him.

Breaking a Long Dry Spell—Almost
The Cleveland Guardians have not had a no-hitter in over 7,000 games, the longest current streak without one in Major League Baseball. The last time a Cleveland pitcher threw a no-hitter was Len Barker’s perfect game in 1981.

Williams came closer than anyone has in 44 years. Although he missed by a little, he gave the team—and fans everywhere—a night to remember.

The Guardians still won the game 4–1 and swept the Mets in a three-game series. So, even though the no-hitter didn’t happen, the team walked away with a victory and a boost of confidence.

Why This Game Matters
No-hitters are extremely rare. They take not only great pitching but also good defense, focus, and sometimes luck. Gavin Williams showed that he has the talent to do something very few pitchers can.

For younger fans or students learning about baseball, this game is a great example of determination, teamwork, and staying strong under pressure. Williams never gave up—even after missing out on the no-hitter. And the respect he got from both teams shows what sportsmanship looks like at the highest level.

Detail    What Happened

• Pitcher    Gavin Williams (Cleveland Guardians)
• Almost a No-Hitter    8⅔ innings before Juan Soto's homer
• Last Guardians No-Hitter    1981 by Len Barker (perfect game)
• Pitch Count    126 (career high)
• Defense Help    Big catch by C.J. Kayfus in the 7th inning
• Fans’ Reaction    Mets fans gave Williams a standing ovation
• Final Score    Guardians 4, Mets 1
• Historic Significance    Nearly ended a 7,115-game no-hit drought

Looking Ahead
Gavin Williams didn’t get the no-hitter, but he proved he’s one of the most exciting young pitchers in baseball today. His performance on the mound gave hope to Guardians fans and reminded everyone that baseball is full of surprises and special moments.

If he keeps pitching like this, it might not be long before he gets another shot at making history. For now, he walks away with a win—and the respect of an entire stadium.

Cleveland Guardians