On May 15, 1973 — Royal’s Stadium debut season see’s California’s Nolan Ryan strike out 12, including the side in the 1st, and hurls his first career no-hitter in beating Kansas City, 3 – 0. For C Jeff Torborg, it is his third no-hitter, he also caught Sandy Koufax’ last no-hitter. Shortstop Rudy Meoli preserves the no-no with a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch in the 8th. It is the first of a record seven no-hitters the “Ryan Express” will throw during his career, including another one in two months.
1987 – A sign of things to come. Astros lose their home spring opener to Montreal, 19-3. Bob Knepper and Jeff Heathcock are knocked silly before the bullpen comes to the rescue. Five Houston errors worsen the mood. Knepper would slump from a 17-12 1986 season to 8-17 the next year, his ERA climbing by over two runs.
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October 19, 2019
