Toronto Blue Jays: James Paxton makes history against former team
Canadian pitcher James Paxton made history throwing a no-hitter against the Toronto Blue Jays, who originally drafted him back in 2009.
There had only been one no-hitter thrown by a Canadian pitcher before James Paxton dominated the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday evening in a 5-0 victory. With two outs in the ninth, it was hard to root against the B.C. native, who went right after Josh Donaldson with 100 MPH on the radar gun.
Almost a year ago, Tyler Patridge wrote about how Paxton was a member of the Blue Jays for only a short period of time. The lefty has had injuries impact his ability to pitch more than 140 innings in a season, but when he is on the mound the opposition is in for a tough outing.
He made sure to touch on what the significance of this milestone means to him, especially because he accomplished it in Canada.
"“I really appreciate their cheers after the game, supporting me being Canadian,” Paxton said. “That was very special and I wanted to show them that I heard them and that I was very grateful for their support.”"
The 29-year-old has never been shy to show off his Canadian roots, as he displayed a tattoo on his right arm after celebrating with his teammates on the field.
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What was most impressive about this performance is he was coming off a start where he threw 16 strikeouts over seven innings. Dick Fowler was the last Canadian to throw a no-no, back in 1945 with the Philadelphia.
Early in this game, the story was Marcus Stroman struggling on the mound once again, allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks, to push his ERA to 7.71 on the season.
Sure there is still time for Stroman to turn things around, but he was expected to be a big part of the rotation and this has not come to fruition.
Add on top of that the news about Roberto Osuna, and now the position of strength on the Blue Jays has to dig out of a tough stretch.
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For Paxton, it is clear he has moved on from the Blue Jays and it surely leaves some wondering about what could have been if he had signed and made it in Toronto.