MLB Perfect Game

MLB Perfect Game

A perfect game is a rare feat in baseball, where a pitcher throws all 27 batters he faces without allowing any of them to reach base. It is one of the most difficult accomplishments in all of sports, and only 23 perfect games have been thrown in Major League Baseball history.

The last perfect game in MLB was thrown by Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners on August 15, 2012, against the Tampa Bay Rays. Hernandez struck out 12 batters and threw 115 pitches in his historic performance. It was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher, and the first in the American League since David Wells threw one for the New York Yankees in 1998.

The perfect game is a truly remarkable achievement, and it is one that will be remembered for years to come.

Last MLB Perfect Game

The last MLB perfect game was thrown by Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners on August 15, 2012, against the Tampa Bay Rays.

  • Pitcher: Felix Hernandez
  • Team: Seattle Mariners
  • Date: August 15, 2012
  • Opponent: Tampa Bay Rays
  • Strikeouts: 12
  • Pitches: 115
  • First perfect game by a Mariners pitcher
  • First perfect game in the American League since 1998
  • 23rd perfect game in MLB history

Hernandez's perfect game was a truly remarkable achievement, and it will be remembered for years to come.

MLB

Team: Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners are a professional baseball team based in Seattle, Washington. They compete in the American League West division. The Mariners were founded in 1977 as an expansion team, and they have yet to win a World Series championship.

  • First perfect game in Mariners history
    The Mariners had never had a pitcher throw a perfect game before Felix Hernández's historic performance in 2012.
  • Hernández's dominance
    Hernández was in complete control of the game from the start, striking out 12 batters and throwing just 115 pitches. He retired the first 21 batters he faced in order, and the Rays never came close to getting a hit.
  • A team effort
    While Hernández deserves the lion's share of the credit for the perfect game, the Mariners' defense also played a key role. They made several outstanding plays behind Hernández, including a diving catch by center fielder Franklin Gutiérrez to end the game.
  • A historic moment for Seattle
    The Mariners' perfect game was a historic moment for the franchise and for the city of Seattle. It was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher, and it was the first perfect game in the American League since 1998. The game was also televised nationally on ESPN, giving Mariners fans across the country a chance to witness the historic event.

The Mariners' perfect game was a truly remarkable achievement, and it is one that will be remembered for years to come.

### Date: August 15, 2012

Felix Hernandez's perfect game took place on August 15, 2012, at Safeco Field in Seattle, Washington. The Mariners were hosting the Tampa Bay Rays in a nationally televised game on ESPN. The game started at 7:10 p.m. PT and lasted just two hours and 26 minutes.

Hernandez was in complete control from the start, striking out the first two batters he faced. He retired the first 12 batters in order, and the Rays never came close to getting a hit. In the fourth inning, Hernandez struck out the side, and he finished the game with 12 strikeouts in total.

The Mariners' defense also played a key role in the perfect game. They made several outstanding plays behind Hernandez, including a diving catch by center fielder Franklin Gutiérrez to end the game. The Rays never had a runner reach second base, and they only put the ball in play 10 times.

Hernandez's perfect game was a truly remarkable achievement, and it is one that will be remembered for years to come. It was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher, and it was the first perfect game in the American League since 1998. The game was also a special moment for the city of Seattle, as it was the first time that a Major League Baseball team had thrown a perfect game in the city.

### Opponent: Tampa Bay Rays

The Tampa Bay Rays were the opponents in Felix Hernandez's perfect game on August 15, 2012. The Rays were a strong team that year, finishing with a record of 90-72 and winning the American League East division. However, they were no match for Hernandez on this night.

  • Hernandez's dominance
    Hernandez was in complete control of the game from the start, striking out the first two batters he faced. He retired the first 12 batters in order, and the Rays never came close to getting a hit. In the fourth inning, Hernandez struck out the side, and he finished the game with 12 strikeouts in total.
  • Rays' struggles
    The Rays' offense was completely shut down by Hernandez. They only put the ball in play 10 times, and they never had a runner reach second base. The Rays' hitters were baffled by Hernandez's pinpoint control and devastating changeup.
  • A historic night for Hernandez
    Hernandez's perfect game was a historic moment for both the Mariners and the Rays. It was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher, and it was the first perfect game thrown against the Rays. The game was also a special moment for the city of Seattle, as it was the first time that a Major League Baseball team had thrown a perfect game in the city.
  • A learning experience for the Rays
    While the Rays were disappointed to lose in such a lopsided fashion, they also recognized that they had witnessed a special performance by Hernandez. The Rays' young players learned a valuable lesson about the importance of pitching and defense, and they used that experience to help them become a better team in the years to come.

The Tampa Bay Rays were gracious in defeat, and they congratulated Hernandez on his historic achievement. The Rays went on to win the American League East division that year, and they reached the World Series, where they lost to the San Francisco Giants in four games.

### Strikeouts: 12

Felix Hernandez struck out 12 batters in his perfect game on August 15, 2012. This was a dominant performance by Hernandez, who was in complete control of his pitches from the start of the game.

Hernandez's strikeouts came at key moments in the game. He struck out the first two batters he faced, setting the tone for the rest of the game. He also struck out the side in the fourth inning, and he struck out the final batter of the game to seal the victory.

Hernandez's 12 strikeouts were a product of his excellent command and his devastating changeup. Hernandez was able to throw his fastball and changeup for strikes in any count, and the Rays' hitters were simply unable to catch up to his pitches.

Hernandez's 12 strikeouts were a major factor in his perfect game. He was able to get ahead of the hitters in the count, and he was able to put them away with his strikeout pitches. Hernandez's strikeouts were a testament to his skill as a pitcher, and they were a key part of his historic performance.

### Pitches: 115

Felix Hernandez threw 115 pitches in his perfect game on August 15, 2012. This was a relatively low pitch count for a perfect game, and it is a testament to Hernandez's efficiency on the mound.

  • Hernandez's efficiency
    Hernandez was able to throw strikes with all of his pitches, and he was able to get ahead of the hitters in the count. This allowed him to throw fewer pitches per inning, and it helped him to conserve his energy throughout the game.
  • Rays' struggles
    The Rays' hitters were unable to make solid contact with Hernandez's pitches. They swung and missed at 10 of Hernandez's 115 pitches, and they only put the ball in play 10 times. Hernandez's pinpoint control and devastating changeup made it difficult for the Rays' hitters to square up his pitches.
  • A historic performance
    Hernandez's 115-pitch perfect game was a historic performance. It was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher, and it was the first perfect game in the American League since 1998. Hernandez's performance was a testament to his skill as a pitcher, and it was a special moment for the Mariners and the city of Seattle.
  • A lesson for young pitchers
    Hernandez's 115-pitch perfect game is a lesson for young pitchers. It shows that it is possible to throw a perfect game without overpowering the hitters. Hernandez relied on his command and his changeup to get the job done, and he showed that it is possible to succeed in Major League Baseball without throwing 100 mph.

Hernandez's 115-pitch perfect game is one of the most impressive pitching performances in Major League Baseball history. It is a testament to his skill, his efficiency, and his determination.

### First perfect game by a Mariners pitcher

Felix Hernandez's perfect game on August 15, 2012, was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher in the team's history.

The Mariners had been in existence for 35 years before Hernandez threw his perfect game. In that time, the Mariners had come close to throwing a perfect game on several occasions. In 1997, Randy Johnson threw a no-hitter against the Baltimore Orioles, but he walked one batter in the game. In 2001, Freddy Garcia threw a no-hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays, but he hit a batter in the game. And in 2004, Joel Pineiro threw a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but he walked two batters in the game.

Hernandez's perfect game was a historic moment for the Mariners and for the city of Seattle. It was the first time that a Major League Baseball team had thrown a perfect game in Seattle, and it was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher.

Hernandez's perfect game was a testament to his skill as a pitcher and to the hard work and dedication of the entire Mariners team. It was a special moment for everyone involved, and it will be remembered for years to come.

### First perfect game in the American League since 1998

Felix Hernandez's perfect game on August 15, 2012, was the first perfect game in the American League since David Wells threw a perfect game for the New York Yankees on May 17, 1998.

  • A rare feat
    Perfect games are one of the rarest feats in baseball, and they are even more rare in the American League. Since 1900, there have been only 23 perfect games thrown in the American League, compared to 40 perfect games thrown in the National League.
  • Wells' perfect game
    David Wells' perfect game in 1998 was a dominant performance. Wells struck out 11 batters and threw just 89 pitches in his historic game. The Yankees defeated the Minnesota Twins 4-0 in the game.
  • Hernandez's perfect game
    Felix Hernandez's perfect game in 2012 was another dominant performance. Hernandez struck out 12 batters and threw just 115 pitches in his historic game. The Mariners defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 in the game.
  • A special moment for Seattle
    Hernandez's perfect game was a special moment for the Mariners and for the city of Seattle. It was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher, and it was the first perfect game in the American League since 1998. The game was also televised nationally on ESPN, giving Mariners fans across the country a chance to witness the historic event.

Hernandez's perfect game was a reminder of the great moments that baseball can provide. It was a special moment for the Mariners, for the city of Seattle, and for baseball fans everywhere.

### 23rd perfect game in MLB history

Felix Hernandez's perfect game on August 15, 2012, was the 23rd perfect game in Major League Baseball history.

  • A rare feat
    Perfect games are one of the rarest feats in baseball. Since the first perfect game was thrown by John Ward in 1880, there have been only 23 perfect games thrown in Major League Baseball history.
  • A list of perfect games
    The following is a list of all 23 perfect games that have been thrown in Major League Baseball history:
    1. John Ward (Providence Grays) - June 17, 1880
    2. Lee Richmond (Worcester Ruby Legs) - June 12, 1880
    3. Cy Young (Boston Americans) - May 5, 1904
    4. Addie Joss (Cleveland Naps) - October 2, 1908
    5. Charlie Robertson (Chicago White Sox) - April 30, 1922
    6. Don Larsen (New York Yankees) - October 8, 1956 (World Series)
    7. Jim Bunning (Philadelphia Phillies) - June 21, 1964
    8. Sandy Koufax (Los Angeles Dodgers) - September 9, 1965
    9. Catfish Hunter (Oakland Athletics) - May 8, 1968
    10. Juan Marichal (San Francisco Giants) - June 15, 1969
    11. Vida Blue (Oakland Athletics) - September 21, 1970
    12. Milt Pappas (Chicago Cubs) - September 2, 1971
    13. Dave Stieb (Toronto Blue Jays) - September 2, 1990
    14. Randy Johnson (Seattle Mariners) - June 18, 1997
    15. David Wells (New York Yankees) - May 17, 1998
    16. David Cone (New York Yankees) - July 18, 1999
    17. Mike Mussina (Baltimore Orioles) - September 30, 2001
    18. Roy Halladay (Philadelphia Phillies) - May 29, 2010
    19. Philip Humber (Chicago White Sox) - April 21, 2012
    20. Felix Hernandez (Seattle Mariners) - August 15, 2012
    21. Matt Cain (San Francisco Giants) - June 13, 2012
    22. Justin Verlander (Detroit Tigers) - May 7, 2011
    23. Max Scherzer (Washington Nationals) - June 20, 2015
  • A special moment
    Throwing a perfect game is a special moment for any pitcher. It is a testament to their skill, their determination, and their ability to execute under pressure.
  • A part of baseball history
    Felix Hernandez's perfect game is now a part of baseball history. It is a reminder of the great moments that baseball can provide, and it is an inspiration to young pitchers everywhere.

Hernandez's perfect game is a reminder that anything is possible in baseball. It is a game of skill, determination, and passion. And it is a game that can provide some of the most amazing moments in sports.

Complete 1) 0-0; 2) 1-0; 3) 2-0; 4) 3-0; 5) 4-0; 6) 5-0; 7) 6-0; 8) 7-0; 9) 8-0; 10) 9-0. 0-0? 1-0? 2-0? 3-0? 4-0? 5-0? 6-0? 7-0? 8-0? 9-0? All of the above.### Tips

Here are a few tips for throwing a perfect game:

1. Throw strikes
The most important thing for a pitcher to do is to throw strikes. If you can't throw strikes, you're not going to be able to get batters out. Focus on hitting your spots and throwing the ball over the plate.

2. Get ahead in the count
Once you're ahead in the count, you can start to dictate the terms of the at-bat. You can throw more breaking balls, or you can try to get a strikeout. Getting ahead in the count is key to success in pitching.

3. Keep the ball down
When you're pitching, it's important to keep the ball down in the strike zone. This will make it harder for batters to hit the ball hard. You can do this by throwing sinkers, changeups, and cutters.

4. Don't be afraid to throw your fastball
Even though it's important to keep the ball down, you shouldn't be afraid to throw your fastball. If you have a good fastball, it can be a great way to get batters out. Just make sure to mix it up with your other pitches so that batters don't get too comfortable.

Closing paragraph
Throwing a perfect game is a difficult task, but it is possible. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of throwing a perfect game.

Now that you have some tips on how to throw a perfect game, it's time to put them into practice. Get out there and start pitching!

### Conclusion

Felix Hernandez's perfect game on August 15, 2012, was a truly remarkable achievement. It was the first perfect game thrown by a Mariners pitcher, and it was the first perfect game in the American League since 1998. Hernandez's perfect game was a testament to his skill as a pitcher, and it was a special moment for the Mariners and for the city of Seattle.

Hernandez's perfect game is a reminder that anything is possible in baseball. It is a game of skill, determination, and passion. And it is a game that can provide some of the most amazing moments in sports.

The next time you watch a baseball game, take a moment to appreciate the skill and dedication of the players on the field. And remember, anything is possible in baseball.