2 Outs Away From A No-Hitter

Tuesday, July 29, 2008 -- Tuesday, July 29, 2008 -- John Lackey came two outs away from recording a no-hitter for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim today, against the Boston Red Sox.

Jacoby Ellsbury led off the ninth inning. He probably could have bunted for a hit (he doesn't do that enough), but when the opponents have a 6-run lead in the ninth and the opposing pitcher is working on a no-hitter, you don't bust it up by bunting.

So Ellsbury struck out.

Then Dustin Pedroia came up to the plate. Dustin has been blazing hot for the last couple of months, batting over .500. Lackey had kept him in check for 3 at-bats...he shouldn't have pressed his luck.

But he pitched to Pedroia, and Pedroia singled.

Then, Kevin Youkilis came up to the plate, and hit one out of the park.

So at least the Red Sox didn't get blanked.

The final: 6-2.

The result for the Red Sox? Their own pitcher with a no-hitter, Clay Buchholz, gave up 4 runs in 6 innings.