Trio of Astros pitchers combine to make history in win over Rangers

In making the 2026 Memorial Day holiday a memorable one, the Houston Astros put together an historic performance in a win over their in-state rival, the Texas Rangers, on Monday night. 

While enjoying more run support than even necessary, the Astros took the first game of a series with the Rangers 9-0. 

But only one run was actually needed due to the total effort of dominance on the mound by three Astros pitchers. 

Three Astros pitchers combined to throw MLB's 22nd combined no-hitter

Starter Tatsuya Imai and relievers Steven Okert and Alimber Santa worked together to throw the 22nd combined no-hitter in MLB history, and the first since September 9, 2024, when three Chicago Cubs' pitchers mowed down the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Starter Tatsuya Imai went six hitless innings despite walking four batters

Doing enough to win all on his own, Imai pitched six scoreless innings, allowing no hits with four walks. He only recorded a pair of strikeouts, but relied on properly targeting his pitches and stellar defense behind him to avoid giving up a hit.