D-Backs' Gilbert throws no-hitter vs. Padres in 1st big-league start

Tyler Gilbert has etched his name in baseball's history books.

In just his first major-league start and fourth appearance overall, Gilbert threw a no-hitter against the San Diego Padres, leading the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-0 win at Chase Field.

He clinched the no-no by getting Tommy Pham - who had walked in his previous three at-bats - to fly out to center field.

Gilbert is just the fourth pitcher - and second in the modern era - to throw a no-hitter in his first career start, joining Ted Breitenstein (1891), Bumpus Jones (1892), and Bobo Holloman (1953).

It's the eighth no-hitter in MLB this season, setting a new modern-era record and tying the all-time mark from 1884.

Gilbert, 27, struck out five and walked three on 102 pitches (64 strikes). He induced seven ground-ball outs and seven via fly ball.

Arizona selected Gilbert from the Los Angeles Dodgers in the minor-league phase of the Rule 5 Draft this past offseason and called him up to the majors on Aug. 3. He served primarily as a reliever in the minors until this year.

Gilbert didn't pitch in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. He spent last summer working alongside his father as an electrician, throwing bullpens on the side.

"I'd rather be doing this than pulling wires - no offense, dad," he said, according to Bally Sports Arizona.

It's the third no-hitter in D-Backs history and first at their home ballpark. Randy Johnson and Edwin Jackson are the other Arizona pitchers with no-hitters; Madison Bumgarner also had an unofficial seven-inning no-no earlier this season.

The moment was a much-needed bright spot in a dismal campaign for the D-Backs. Arizona entered play 43 games below .500, the worst record for a National League team before throwing a no-hitter, according to Stats By Stats.

The Padres, meanwhile, were no-hit for the 11th time in franchise history. It's the second time they've been involved in a no-hitter this year after Joe Musgrove threw the franchise's first in April.