Who Threw a No-Hitter But Lost?

The only pitcher in Major League Baseball history to throw a complete game no-hitter in nine innings and still lose the game was Ken Johnson.

Ken Johnson: The Unprecedented No-Hitter Loss

On April 23, 1964, Ken Johnson, then pitching for the Houston Colt .45s (now the Houston Astros), achieved the unique and unfortunate distinction of throwing a no-hitter yet suffering a 1-0 defeat against the Cincinnati Reds. This extraordinary event marked the only time a pitcher completed nine innings without surrendering a hit but still lost the game.

The circumstances surrounding this loss make it one of baseball's most peculiar footnotes. Despite not allowing a single hit, the Houston Colt .45s' defensive miscues ultimately led to the Cincinnati Reds scoring the lone winning run.

Details of the Historic Game

The game took place at Colt Stadium in Houston. Ken Johnson's performance on the mound was stellar, demonstrating complete dominance over the Reds' lineup. However, the top of the ninth inning unfolded in a way that defied the typical outcome of a no-hitter.

Here’s how the Cincinnati Reds managed to score without a hit:

• Pete Rose led off the ninth inning.
• He reached first base due to a throwing error by Johnson himself on a sacrifice bunt attempt.
• Rose then advanced to second on a groundout.
• Finally, he scored on another error, this time a throwing error by the Houston second baseman, Nellie Fox, while attempting a double play on a fielder's choice.

Johnson completed the inning, securing the no-hitter, but the damage was done. The Colt .45s offense could not score, sealing the 1-0 loss for Johnson.

This event highlights the intricate and sometimes unpredictable nature of baseball, where defensive plays and errors can impact the game's outcome as significantly as offensive hits.

For more information on no-hitters and unique pitching achievements, you can refer to the No-hitter Wikipedia page.