Tatsuya Imai silences Rangers as Astros throw historic no-hitter in 9-0 rout

Tatsuya Imai’s inauspicious introduction to Major League Baseball may finally be over. So, too, perhaps, is the burden hanging over the Houston Astros as owners of baseball’s worst pitching staff.

Imai delivered the finest outing of his young MLB career Monday night at Globe Life Field, spinning six hitless innings before two relievers completed the 18th no-hitter in franchise history during Houston’s emphatic 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers.

The 27-year-old Japanese right-hander entered the game carrying an 8.31 ERA through his first five starts, a rocky beginning that included a stint on the injured list with arm fatigue and growing questions about whether Houston’s prized offseason acquisition could adapt quickly to the majors.

Instead, Imai authored a breakthrough performance against a division rival. Though he walked three batters in the first inning, he escaped trouble and settled into a rhythm, retiring 15 of the final 16 hitters he faced. He finished with four walks and two strikeouts across six scoreless innings before handing the game to Houston’s bullpen.

 Imai Delivers breakthrough performance

Left-hander Steven Okert navigated the seventh inning before rookie Alimber Santa, making his MLB debut, recorded the final six outs to secure the majors’ first no-hitter since September 2024.

Houston entered Monday ranked near the bottom of MLB in team ERA, while Imai had allowed opponents to bat well over .300 against him through May.The Astros’ sudden turnaround has coincided with improved starting pitching, as Houston has now won four consecutive games.

Houston’s offense provided ample support. Christian Walker launched a three-run homer during a five-run seventh inning, while Yordan Alvarez added a solo shot and sacrifice fly. Defensive gems from Jeremy Peña and Jake Meyers preserved the no-hit bid throughout the night.

For Imai, whose decorated career in Japan made him one of the Astros’ biggest offseason investments, Monday represented more than a historic achievement. It was validation that his electric fastball and poise can translate to the majors after all.