Auburndale, Wisconsin native and former UW-Stevens Point standout Jordan Zimmermann tossed his first no-hitter and the first for the Washington Nationals. The no-no was preserved when defensive replacement Steven Souza Jr. made a diving catch in left field for the final out in the season finale on Sunday.
Christian Yelich sent a long drive to left-center and Zimmerman thought the no-hit bid was over, until Souza’s diving catch saved the day. Zimmermann (14-5) allowed only two baserunners, finishing with 10 strikeouts and one walk.
It’s the fifth no-hitter this season and it is also the fifth no-hitter on the final day of the season. Last year, Henderson Alvarez of the Marlins threw one against Detroit to close the season. Yesterday, he was Miami’s starting pitcher against Zimmerman.
Washington is now headed to the playoffs after finishing with the best record in the National League. They’ll open the playoffs on Friday at home against the winner of the wildcard game between San Francisco and Pittsburgh.
Zimmerman was selected in the second round of the 2007 draft out of UW-Stevens Point.