Parker Messick's Near No-Hitter Highlights Guardians' Victory Over Orioles

On April 16, 2026, Cleveland Guardians rookie pitcher Parker Messick came within three outs of achieving a no-hitter during a game against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field. In his 11th major league start, Messick dominated the Orioles for eight innings, allowing only one baserunner through the first eight frames. However, his bid for history ended in the ninth inning when Leody Taveras led off with a ground ball that eluded second baseman Juan Brito, marking the first hit of the game for Baltimore. Messick was subsequently removed from the game after Blaze Alexander added another single, leading to a standing ovation from the crowd of 14,748.

Messick's performance was marked by nine strikeouts and two walks over eight-plus innings, with a total of 112 pitches thrown, 78 of which were strikes. The Guardians secured a 4-2 victory, with José Ramírez contributing a two-run homer in the first inning and additional runs from Steven Kwan and George Valera. Closer Cade Smith entered the game after Messick, allowing both inherited runners to score but ultimately securing the save.

Cleveland's no-hitter drought continues, now extending to 7,055 games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball. The last no-hitter for the franchise was Len Barker's perfect game on May 15, 1981. Messick's near-miss marks him as the fourth Cleveland pitcher to lose a no-hitter in the ninth inning, following John Farrell, Carlos Carrasco, and Gavin Williams.

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt praised Messick's performance, stating, “That was very special what we got to watch tonight. He continued to attack and give them different looks throughout the game.” Messick himself reflected on the experience, saying, “I did my best, guys. Maybe next time.” He acknowledged the crowd's support, noting, “The crowd got pretty loud... that’s an awesome feeling when everybody gets into it.”

Despite the excitement surrounding Messick's performance, some analysts questioned the decision to remove him from the game. The move was seen as cautious, considering Messick's pitch count and the potential risk of injury. Critics argue that allowing him to attempt to complete the no-hitter could have been a valuable experience for the young pitcher.

The Guardians will look to build on this momentum as they continue their seven-game homestand. Messick's performance not only showcased his potential but also provided a significant boost to the team's morale following a disappointing loss to the St. Louis Cardinals just a day prior.

• “I did my best, guys,” — Parker Messick, Rookie Pitcher

• “That was very special what we got to watch tonight,” — Stephen Vogt, Guardians Manager

• “That’s an awesome feeling when everybody gets into it.” — Parker Messick, Rookie Pitcher

Parker Messick's near no-hitter stands as a testament to his talent and the potential for future success within the Guardians organization.