Saturday afternoon, Marlins right-hander Edinson Volquez threw baseball's first no-hitter of the season in his team's 3-0 win over Diamondbacks (box score). It is the first no-hitter since Jake Arrieta no-hit the Reds last April.
Volquez's no-hit bid was very nearly over one batter into the game. On the first play of the game, Volquez crashed into D-Backs leadoff hitter Reymond Fuentes on a play at first base. Here's the video:
Volquez was able to stay in the game, obviously, but for a while there things weren't looking to good. In fact, at one point later in the game Volquez told the trainer he could not continue.
Here's what Volquez told Fox Sports broadcaster Craig Minervini immediately following the game:
"I thought I broke my ankle," Volquez said as he laughed. "... In the fourth inning I told (the trainer) I don't feel too good right now. I might stop pitching. I had a quick inning and I told him just let me go. I feel better now."
Yikes! Legs are important for a pitcher too, you know. It's not just about their arms. If they can't push-off or land properly, they're going to put a ton of stress on their arm. Playing with a bad lower half is quite risky.
Volquez, however, shook off that game-opening collision to make history on Saturday.