A no-hitter/perfect game are truly one of a kind events in sports. It seems to transcend winning or losing and becomes a spectacle in itself. It seems to be the perfect combination of skill, stamina, and most importantly luck. Obviously the greats in the game(Verlander, Halladay, Ryan, etc...) set themselves apart with tremendous skill that allows them to achieve the feat multiple times. But when you start to think about all the details that go into a perfect outing it’s pretty impressive. Everything can hinder your opportunity for perfection. A couple missed calls by the umps forcing you into hitters counts and sitting on the fastball. A wacky swing with minimal contact allowing the ball to fall into no mans land(Bergman in the 9th for example). Defensive shifts and missed assignments. The ability to overcome pitch counts in an ever increasingly strict environment. So many minor elements that add up to seemingly insurmountable odds. I think that’s why it’s hard to be upset when your team gets no hit. Because in reality it’s a pretty cool event. As much as I was cheering for Bichette to rip a double in the gap with 2 out in the 9th, I was hoping Verlander would get the K and watch something memorable.
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