Cristian Javier sets World Series mark with no-hit bid

Houston’s starting pitcher mowed down Philadelphia’s lineup in Game 4.

Cristian Javier #53 of the Houston Astros delivers a pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning in Game Four of the 2022 World Series at Citizens Bank Park on November 02, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Al Bello/Getty Images

Houston Astros pitcher Cristian Javier etched his name into baseball history on Wednesday night as he mowed down the Philadelphia Phillies’ lineup in Game 4 of the World Series at Citizens Bank Park. 

Javier started Game 4 of the Fall Classic with six no-hit innings, becoming just the second pitcher during the divisional era to hold a no-hitter through that many frames. Former Mets pitcher Jerry Koosman is the last pitcher to tally six no-hit innings in a World Series—he finished by giving up two hits and one earned run across 8 2/3 innings in Game 2 of the 1969 World Series.

Yankees pitcher Don Larsen is the one hurler to throw a no-hitter in the World Series, accomplishing the feat when he threw a perfect game in 1956. Larsen’s feat is one of only two no-hitters in playoff history. It was later joined by Roy Halladay’s no-hitter for Philadelphia during the 2009 ALDS. 

Javier allowed just two baserunners as he shut out Philly’s lineup—and his success wasn’t just due to batted-ball luck. The right-hander from the Dominican Republic tallied nine strikeouts, generating 23 called strikes or complete whiffs during the contest. As Javier pumped his fastball in the fifth and sixth innings, the Phillies just couldn’t keep up. 

Wednesday continued a dominant stretch for Javier: The 25-year-old closed the regular season with 23 consecutive scoreless innings and struck out five across 5 1/3 scoreless innings in Game 3 of the ALCS against the New York Yankees. In a staff loaded with talented arms, Javier’s stuff may be the Astros’ best. 

Javier was pulled by manager Dusty Baker after six innings, but Houston’s arms continued to deliver as releiver Bryan Abreu tossed a scoreless seventh inning and Rafael Montero retired the side quickly in the eighth. Follow along for live coverage of Game 4 here. 

Michael Shapiro is a sports reporter for Chron, covering the Rockets, Astros and every team in town. Michael is a Denver native and graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, and a noted fan of pull-up threes, wide-receiver passes and a good hot fudge sundae.