You can say that Detroit Tigers closer Alex Lange was happy that the team threw a combined no-hitter on Saturday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Detroit Tigers had quite the bounce-back on Saturday, less than a day removed from their 12-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays. What better way to regain momentum heading into the final day before the MLB All-Star break than throwing a no-hitter?
On Saturday, the Tigers shut out the Blue Jays 2-0 and held the without a single hit throughout the game.
Alex Lange entered the game in relief of Jason Foley, who replaced starter Matt Manning in the top of the seventh inning. Lange struck out Blue Jays shortstop Bo Bichette and forced designated hitter Brandon Belt to fly out to pull the Tigers within one out of a no-no. Stepping up to the plate was Toronto star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. On the third pitch thrown, Lange forced Guerrero to hit a groundout to secure Detroit's first combined no-hitter in franchise history.
After the game, Manning, Foley, Lange, and catcher Eric Haase were interviewed by Bally Sports about the combined no-hitter. When it was Lange's turn to speak, he couldn't help but say, "Holy s***."
Alex Lange swears during a post-game interview after Tigers throw combined no-hitter
After contributing to a no-hitter, sometimes you forget to put up the filter. We'll excuse it.
Lange just needed to throw 10 pitches to help close out the game and secure the no-hitter and his 13th save of the 2023 season so far.
As for Manning, he struck out five batters and walked three in 6.2 innings of work, while throwing 91 pitches (57 strikes). Foley, meanwhile, recorded one strikeout in 1.1 innings, while 12 strikes on 15 pitches.
Not only is this the first time that the Tigers have thrown a combined no-hitter, but it's also the first time that the team has thrown a no-hitter at home at Comerica Park since June 12, 2007. In that game, former ace Justin Verlander struck out 12 Milwaukee Brewers batters and walked four in nine innings (112 pitches thrown).
This is also the 20th time a combined no-hitter was thrown in American League and National League history.
The Tigers have a chance to close out the first half of the season with a series win over the Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon. Regardless of how that goes, Tigers fans will remember this no-hitter from Manning, Foley, and Lange for quite some time.
