Homer does it again

Homer Bailey celebrates
his second no-hitter.
Courtesy of mycentraljersey.com

Homer Bailey now has something in common with Nolan Ryan.

Bailey became the second major league pitcher to throw two no-hitters without having another pitcher toss one in between as he and the Cincinnati Reds blanked San Francisco 3-0 Tuesday night.

Ryan was the first major leaguer to accomplish the feat when he threw a no-hitter against Minnesota in September 1974 and another one against Baltimore in June 1975. Bailey's previous no-hitter was against Pittsburgh on Sept. 28, 2012.

Bailey had the Giants flailing away Tuesday. He struck out nine batters and induced 10 fly outs. He issued a leadoff walk to Gregor Blanco in the top of the seventh inning, but San Francisco couldn't do much with that small break.

Bailey's no-hitter also ended a six-game stretch where he posted a 1-3 record and allowed three or more earned runs four times. In his last three starts, Bailey was 0-2 and allowed at least six hits in each game, including one home run. But in a case where you take the good with the not-so-good, Bailey struck out at least five batters in five of those six starts, and he never issued more than two walks in any of those games.

As is customary with no-hitters, the question is whether Bailey can match the feat of former Reds pitcher Johnny Vander Meer and throw a second consecutive no-no when he takes the mound again Sunday against Seattle. The odds probably aren't great for a guy with a 4.36 career ERA, but Bailey is the only one in the majors who can do it.