Tim Lincecum threw his first career no-hitter and the second in the majors in 11 days, a gem saved by a spectacular diving catch by right fielder Hunter Pence in the San Francisco Giants' 9-0 win against the last-place San Diego Padres on Saturday night.
Lincecum, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, was the loser when Cincinnati's Homer Bailey no-hit the Giants on July 2, the first in the majors this year.
Lincecum (5-9) was in control from the start, striking out 13 and throwing a career-high 148 pitches.
Still, he needed some help. Pence caught Alexi Amarista's sinking liner with a full dive to end the eighth.
Lincecum had been struggling coming in, losing his previous four decisions and hadn't won since June 4 against Toronto. He hadn't won on the road since April 3 at the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Then again, he'd gotten only 12 runs of support in his last 10 starts.
The Padres remain the only team without a no-hitter.
Photo Credit: AP