Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán throws 1st perfect game since 2012. It’s the 24th in MLB history

In a historic feat, Domingo Germán, a pitcher for the New York Yankees, achieved perfection by throwing the 24th perfect game in Major League Baseball history. The Yankees dominated the Oakland Athletics with an 11-0 victory as Germán retired every batter he faced.

Germán, who has had his share of struggles since entering the league six years ago, finally found his stride. This remarkable performance marked the first perfect game since Félix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners achieved the feat against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 15, 2012. It had been a drought of perfect games until Germán’s exceptional display, making it an extraordinary moment in his career.

Joining the ranks of Yankees legends such as Don Larsen (1956), David Wells (1998), and David Cone (1999), Germán etched his name in baseball history. Notably, Larsen’s perfect game came during Game 5 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.

Speaking through a translator, Germán expressed his excitement, acknowledging the rarity and significance of pitching a perfect game. He considered it a lifelong memory and a remarkable achievement in his career.

After struggling in his previous starts, Germán rebounded emphatically. With nine strikeouts against the A’s, who currently possess the worst record in the league, he showcased his command and dominance. Germán threw 72 out of 99 pitches for strikes, effectively utilizing his repertoire of 51 curveballs, 30 fastballs, 17 changeups, and one sinker.

Throughout the game, Germán faced pressure in the final inning, with the crowd on its feet. However, he remained composed and completed the perfect game. His teammates rushed to celebrate with him on the mound, highlighting the significance of his accomplishment.

Germán’s curveball proved to be a pivotal weapon, setting up his other pitches. Oakland’s leadoff hitter, Tony Kemp, acknowledged the effectiveness of Germán’s curveball, noting its unique spin and movement. Germán’s exceptional control and variety of pitches impressed his manager, Aaron Boone, and the Yankees’ coaching staff.

In addition to Germán’s achievement, the Yankees saw offensive contributions from Giancarlo Stanton, who hit a home run and recorded three RBIs, and Josh Donaldson, who drove in three runs against his former team.

This marked the 13th no-hitter in Yankees history, including Don Larsen’s famous perfect game in the World Series. Corey Kluber had pitched their previous no-hitter against the Texas Rangers on May 19, 2021.

Germán’s remarkable turnaround serves as a personal triumph for him. Overcoming a challenging period in his career, which included a suspension due to a domestic violence incident, he has worked hard to redeem himself and earn back the trust of his teammates and fans.

The victory against the Athletics further solidified the Yankees’ dominance over Oakland in recent years, with 15 wins in their last 21 matchups since August 31, 2019.

As Germán reflected on his achievement, he dedicated the game to his late uncle, who passed away recently. The emotional significance of the moment made it even more special for him.

In terms of historical significance, the Yankees became the first franchise with four perfect games, surpassing the Chicago White Sox’s three. The Oakland Coliseum also joined Yankee Stadium as the only ballparks to host three perfect games. The Athletics had gone 5,063 games since their last no-hit game, which occurred in July 1991 against the Baltimore Orioles. Currently, the Washington Nationals franchise holds the longest active streak in the majors, going 3,812 games (including playoffs) since David Cone’s perfect game against the Montreal Expos in July 1999.

Looking ahead, the Yankees will have Clarke Schmidt on the mound for their next game against the Athletics. Schmidt has been in good form, boasting a 2.19 ERA in his last seven outings. The A’s will counter with either a starting pitcher or an opener followed by left-hander Hogan Harris, who holds a 2-1 record with a 4.91 ERA.

The Yankees’ victory and Germán’s perfect game will undoubtedly be remembered as a momentous occasion in baseball history.

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More about perfect game

• MLB Official Website
• New York Yankees Official Website
• Domingo Germán’s MLB Profile
• List of Perfect Games in MLB History