Alimber Santa’s Historic Major League Debut with a Combined No-Hitter

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Making a Major League debut is challenging enough, but doing so while preserving a no-hitter involves unique pressure. On Monday night at Globe Life Field, Houston Astros pitcher Alimber Santa faced this challenge in a 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers.

The Astros’ Tatsuya Imai pitched six no-hit innings, followed by a scoreless inning from reliever Steven Okert. Manager Joe Espada then brought in Santa to finish the game. The 23-year-old delivered two perfect innings, securing his first career strikeout against Brandon Nimmo and clinching the combined no-hitter. According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Santa is the first pitcher since 1900 to achieve this during a Major League debut.

“Yeah, there was some adrenaline,” Santa said through a translator in the bullpen. “I was aware of the no-hitter, but I was just trying to calm myself down.”

Espada expressed his pride in Santa. “I think it’s a big night for him and his family,” Espada commented via MLB.com. “I’ve seen this kid for years, and having this moment is huge for the organization and for him.”

Imai had a shaky start with three walks but managed to navigate through early trouble. Okert also allowed a walk in his inning of work. This no-hitter marked the Astros’ 17th in the regular season. Including the postseason, they have achieved 18 total no-hitters, with a combined effort against the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2022 World Series.

The last major league no-hitter occurred when Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 12-0 on September 4, 2024. The last complete-game no-hitter was by Blake Snell for the San Francisco Giants against the Cincinnati Reds on August 2, 2024.

Ronel Blanco achieved the previous no-hitter for the Astros, leading them to a 10-0 win over the Toronto Blue Jays on April 1, 2024, marking Espada’s first managerial victory. The Astros contributed to three of the last seven and five of the last 11 Major League no-hitters.

With this victory, the Astros (24-31) aim to carry their momentum into the second game of a four-game series against the Rangers (24-29) on Tuesday at 8:05 p.m. ET.