AJ Smith-Shawver’s Near No-Hitter Adds to Braves’ Long History of Almosts
On Monday night, AJ Smith-Shawver gave Braves fans something to cheer about with a brilliant performance on the mound. The 22-year-old right-hander threw eight scoreless innings in Atlanta’s 4-0 win over the Reds, turning in one of the best starts of his young career.
Smith-Shawver struck out five and walked four on 99 pitches (60 strikes), and for a while, it looked like he might make history with the team’s first no-hitter since 1994. That dream ended early in the eighth inning when he gave up a hit on the second pitch of the frame — a tough blow in what was otherwise a dominant outing.
It’s another addition to a growing list of close calls for Atlanta, as the franchise continues its 30-year wait for another no-hitter. Only the Royals, Blue Jays, and Guardians have longer active droughts without one, according to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
Nick Allen Shines on Defense
One of the few players who almost kept the no-hit bid alive was shortstop Nick Allen. He made several stellar defensive plays throughout the game and currently leads all MLB shortstops in outs above average (OAA), highlighting just how valuable he’s been since joining the team.
Braves’ Recent No-Hit Heartbreaks
Smith-Shawver’s near miss brings back memories of several other Braves who came close to making history:
- Max Fried (2024): Fried was dominant through seven innings against the Mets before being pulled after 109 pitches. The bullpen held it together until two outs in the ninth, when J.D. Martinez ended the no-hit bid with a solo home run off Raisel Iglesias.
- Spencer Strider (2023): Strider took a no-hitter into the eighth against the Marlins. A perfect game was spoiled by a fielding error from Matt Olson, and Jean Segura ended the no-hitter with a single. Despite the disappointment, Strider set a Braves record with nine straight starts of at least nine strikeouts.
- Sean Newcomb (2018): Perhaps the most heartbreaking of all. Newcomb was one strike away from a no-hitter before Chris Taylor spoiled it with a two-strike hit in the ninth on pitch No. 134.
- Mike Foltynewicz (2017): Then-rookie Matt Olson (yes, the current Brave) hit a homer off Foltynewicz in the ninth to break up the no-hitter and shutout. Folty exited with 119 pitches thrown.
- Shelby Miller (2015): Miller was also one out away from a no-hitter when Justin Bour singled to break it up. Dee Gordon followed with another hit, but Miller still completed the shutout.
For now, the Braves — and their fans — will have to keep waiting for that elusive no-hitter. But with Smith-Shawver showing this kind of potential, the wait might not last much longer.
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