A trio of Boston Red Sox pitching prospects combined for a no-hitter in Double-A on June 22.
David Sandlin started off the game. He's the No. 9 prospect in the Red Sox's farm system, and he's been on top of his game recently. Sandlin's been going deeper in his starts and had another stellar performance on Sunday.
The right-handed pitcher tossed six scoreless and hitless innings. He walked three batters and tied a season-high with nine strikeouts. Sandlin was hitting high-90s with his fastball and overpowered hitters all day. His stock in the Red Sox farm system is increasing at a rapid pace, and he threw his first complete game earlier this season.
Next in was Christopher Troye, who entered in the seventh frame. The right-handed pitcher has struggled this year, but he's looked much better recently. He didn't allow a hit over two scoreless innings. Troye walked two batters without striking anyone out, but he was effective and continues a strong June.
Red Sox prospects David Sandlin, Christopher Troye and Jonathan Brand combine for no-hitter with Double-A Portland
Finally, in came Jonathan Brand. The right-handed pitcher struck out two batters compared to one walk in a scoreless and hitless ninth inning. He got the final batter of the game to pop out to third baseman Luis Ravelo. Brand's been one of the best pitchers out of the bullpen for Portland.
Ronald Rosario was the catcher in this game. Catchers deserve a lot of love in no-hitters, and I'm sure the pitchers would gladly throw plenty of praise his way. Rosario also went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a run scored.
Portland won the game in blowout fashion by a final score of 10-0. Luis Ravelo went 2-for-3 with a walk, a home run, three RBI, and two runs. Drew Ehrhard went 2-for-3 with two walks, two RBI, and three runs. Max Ferguson went 3-for-3 with two walks, a steal, two RBI, and two runs scored.
The offense put on a show and would be the talking point on any other day. However, Sandlin, Troye, Brand and catcher Rosario deserve all the attention for Sunday's blowout victory.