Iwakuma shuts down Orioles with 5th no-hitter in Mariners history

Seattle Mariners right-hander Hisashi Iwakuma made history on the mound at Safeco Field on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old provided a career performance against the Baltimore Orioles, striking out seven and walking three en route to throwing the fifth no-hitter in franchise history in the 3-0 win.

"I can't find the words to express it. I'm truly happy," Iwakuma told reporters.

Iwakuma became the first American League pitcher to throw a no-hitter since teammate Felix Hernandez tossed a perfect game in 2012 and joins Hideo Nomo as only the second Japanese pitcher to ever throw a no-hitter.

Mariners no-hitters:

Mariners third baseman Kyle Seager made an incredible catch in foul territory to record the first out of the ninth inning. Iwakuma then got Manny Machado to ground out for the second out before Gerardo Parra flied out to center field to end the game.

"I was aware of it obviously, but I felt it real deep in my heart in the ninth inning," Iwakuma said. "Just focusing on one hitter at a time and I'm glad I got it done."

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Iwakuma entered the outing without a complete game on his resume in four seasons and 87 starts in the majors. He's the fourth pitcher to throw a no-hitter this season and the 289th in history.

It's the seventh time in franchise history the Orioles have been no-hit and first time since 2007.

"It's not just a normal loss," Orioles outifleder Adam Jones told reporters. "We're going down in the history books on the bad side of a no-hitter. ...You tip your cap and move on."