Didn't See This One Coming

Josh Beckett wasn't all that impressive against the Mets, one of the weakest hitting teams in the National League. When I saw him Tuesday night, he came into the 6th inning up 6 - 1, but couldn't record an out, and was roughed up for home runs from Curtis Granderson and Lucas Duda. The Dodgers outhit the Mets for a 9 - 4 victory. But the veteran righthander hardly looked like someone about to write his name into history books.
So I have to admit being stunned to learn Beckett no-hit the Phillies this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park. Working at one of the most hitter-friendly fields in the National League, the 34-year old was in complete command, retiring 23 straight batters during one stretch. Three walks kept him from absolute perfection. But he was never threatened -- Jimmy Rollins, who walked in the 9th, made it to second base. He advanced no farther. It was the 21st no-hitter in Dodger history -- the 11th since the club moved to L.A. -- and the first ever for Beckett, who has only rarely looked like the one-time ace of the Marlins and Red Sox, since his 2012 trade to the west coast.

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