So Near and So Far Away

That famous lyric from Tony Orlando's '60s classic "Halfway to Paradise" could well describe Rich Hill's bid for history on Wednesday night. The Dodger lefthander took a perfect game against the Pirates into the 9th inning. Then things slowly unraveled: Logan Forsythe's error gave Pittsburgh its first baserunner. But Hill got out of the inning without further damage. The trouble was that his side hadn't scored, either.
Running counter to "modern baseball," Hill came out to start the 10th inning; after all, he'd yet to give up a hit. Give Dodger manager Dave Roberts credit for showing faith in him. But the magical night ended on Hill's 99th pitch -- a fastball that Josh Harrison crushed for a home run and 1 - 0 Pirates victory.
Although Hill allowed no hits over nine innings, his gem doesn't count as a no-hitter. A rule change a few years ago meant that Hill would have to complete the game without giving up a hit; since he didn't, he can't claim history. Instead he becomes the first pitcher since Pedro Martinez against the Padres in 1995 to take a no hitter into extra innings and lose it.
No perfecto; no no-no; no shutout; no victory. Just an excruciating defeat. Maybe more surprisingly, as it comes during what seems a charmed season for a Dodger club that could be on its way to the best regular season record ever.
Let's go back to that classic Carole King-Gerry Goffin composition and one other line: "Bein' close to you is almost heaven." Rich Hill came oh-so-close on August 23rd, 2017, but in the end, close was no cigar.
These images of Rich Hill are from August 5th when he pitched against the Mets in New York.

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