SEATTLE (AP) ― Philip Humber, who underwent Tommy John surgery seven years ago, threw the first perfect game in the majors in almost two years, leading the Chicago White Sox to a 4-0 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday.
It was baseball’s 21st perfect game and first since Philadelphia’s Roy Halladay threw one against the Florida Marlins on May 29, 2010. It was the third in White Sox history, joining Mark Buehrle against Tampa Bay on July 23, 2009, and Charles Robertson against Detroit on April 30, 1922.
“This is awesome,” Humber said. “I’m so thankful.”
Chicago White Sox pitcher Philip Humber is doused with water after his perfect game. (AFP-Yonhap News)
With the White Sox lined up on the top step of the dugout, Humber fell behind 3-0 to Michael Saunders leading off the ninth. But he rebounded to strike him out. John Jaso then flied out before Brendan Ryan, another pinch hitter, struck out to end the game.
Ryan took a checked swing and missed at a full-count pitch, but the ball got away from catcher A.J. Pierzynski. Ryan lingered outside the batter’s box for a minute, unsure of umpire Brian Runge’s call, and Pierzynski fired to first to complete the play.
Humber, who was involved in a trade for Johan Santana in 2008, fell to his knees when it was over, and his teammates rushed toward the mound to congratulate him.
“I don’t know that I dominated them,” Humber said. “Obviously, the ball was hit at people. I’m thankful for that. It was a well-pitched game. Definitely something I’ll never forget.”
The right-hander struck out nine and threw just 96 pitches in his first career complete game. He went to a three-ball count only three times.
It was quite a contrast to his first start of the season, when he went 5 1/3 innings and threw 115 pitches in a no-decision against Baltimore on Monday.
Humber was traded from the New York Mets to the Minnesota Twins in the deal for Santana.
Chicago Cubs 6, Cincinnati 1
Washington 3, Miami 2
Texas 10, Detroit 4
NY Mets 5, San Francisco 4
NY Yankees 15, Boston 9
LA Dodgers 5, Houston 1
Pittsburgh 2, St. Louis 0
Detroit 3, Texas 2
Toronto 9, Kansas City 5
Milwaukee 9, Colorado 4
Tampa Bay 4, Minnesota 1
Atlanta 3, Arizona 2
San Diego 5, Philadelphia 1
LA Angels 6, Baltimore 3
