That, though, was soon trumped by a game. Not just any game, but the No. 5 team in the country losing to a team from a lower division -- an unheard of level of upset.
Now, I personally figured nothing would top that -- then Clay Buchholz went out and threw a complete game no-hitter in his 2nd career major league appearance.
I already covered the Appalachian State-Michigan game in a post Saturday afternoon, but here’s some of my favorite stuff from the Clay Buchholz game:
• First off, it was the 2nd straight night a pitcher took a no-hitter into the 9th inning. Scott Baker did it for the Twins the night before. It was the first time in 6 years that pitchers took no-nos into the 9th on consecutive days.
• Did you know: Clay Buchholz was selected by the Red Sox using a compensatory draft pick they received when Pedro Martinez signed with the Mets? Not a bad trade off based on this season’s stats (of course, Pedro hasn’t actually pitched yet this season).
• Jason Varitek has been behind the plate for the last 3 Red Sox no-hitters. One more and he’ll tie the major league record for most no-hitters caught. Plus, he gave me my best graphics title of the night (Tek Support).
• Clay Buchholz was the 21st rookie since 1900 to throw a no-hitter. It was also the 17th no-hitter in Red Sox history. By themselves, neither of those stats seems too impressive. But consider this: Buchholz was the FIRST rookie in Red Sox history to throw a no-hitter. And the kid just turned 23 a couple weeks ago.
Personally, at the end of the night, I think the Appalachian State story is still a bigger deal than the no-hitter, but for both to happen on the same day is pretty damn awesome. And I thank God I have the next two days off.
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