The 2021 season has been the year of the no-hitter in MLB.
With just six weeks in the books, four official no-hitters have been tossed, in addition to one unofficial seven-inning no-no.
While the newly-deadened baseballs may be a factor, there is no diminishing how dominant many MLB pitchers have been this season.
It’s almost certain that we will see more no-hitters before the year comes to a close, but right now, it’s time to rank the ones that we have seen thus far.
Honorable Mention: Madison Bumgarner – Arizona Diamondbacks
Madison Bumgarner had a horrific start to the 2021 season.
After his first three starts, the 31-year-old had an 11.20 ERA.
He allowed five runs or more in each of his first three appearances.
It’s safe to say Bumgarner has turned things around, though, as the lefty has a 0.90 ERA over his last five starts.
The highlight of the stretch for Bumgarner was his seven-inning, unofficial no-hitter on April 25.
In that game, Madison fanned seven and walked none, with the only base-runner reaching on an error.
Bumgarner threw 73 of his 98 pitches for strikes, and the Diamondbacks got the win over the Braves by a 7-0 score.
No. 4: Wade Miley – Cincinnati Reds
Wade Miley fired his first career no-hitter on May 7 in a 3-0 win over the Cleveland Indians.
Miley pitched to contact and let his defense pick him up, with 15 of his 27 outs coming on groundballs.
Miley fanned just eight but was in control all game long, walking only one batter.
His no-hitter received a game score of 94—the fourth-highest in any game by a pitcher this season.
Interview with Wade Miley after his No-Hitter!
Said that the catcher forgot his scouting card and no pre-game meeting either! In his own words they were “just winging it and going on feel!” Also, that CF was reading pitches and location to position himself instead of reports! WOW— Scott Bradley (@CoachBradley9) May 12, 2021
No. 3: Carlos Rodon – Chicago White Sox
Carlos Rodon was the second pitcher to make history with a no-hitter this season, with his masterpiece coming on April 14.
Like Miley, Rodon’s gem came against the Indians, and like Miley again, Rodon did not fan many batters—just seven.
Rodon’s performance gets a slight edge over Miley’s only because Carlos did not walk a batter.
A hit-batsman was the lone base-runner that stood between Rodon and a perfect game.
No. 2: Joe Musgrove – San Diego Padres
Joe Musgrove is in the midst of the best season of his career, and he made that known on April 9 when he tossed the first no-hitter of 2021.
In a 3-0 win over the Rangers, Musgrove went the distance while allowing no hits, no walks and striking out 10.
Joey Gallo was hit by a pitch in the fourth inning, but that was all for Texas.
It was the first no-hitter in franchise history for the San Diego Padres.
No. 1: John Means – Baltimore Orioles
In a season where the Baltimore Orioles will likely not compete for a MLB postseason berth, John Means gave Baltimore fans one unforgettable night on May 5.
After throwing the 6th no-hitter in O's history, LHP John Means named AL Player of the Week for the first time. He's first O's winner since Trey Mancini on Sept. 23, 2019. He's first O's pitcher to accomplish the feat since Arthur Rhodes in August 1994.
— Steve Melewski (@masnSteve) May 10, 2021
The 28-year-old absolutely dominated the Seattle Mariners in a near-perfect effort on the road, striking out 12 while allowing no hits, no walks, and no hit-by-pitches.
A dropped-third-strike allowed the only base-runner to reach.
Means managed a game score of 99 in this one—the highest by any pitcher this season and just one point shy of a perfect score of 100.
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