The Angels honored the late Tyler Skaggs in a perfect way Friday night, as Taylor Cole and Felix Pena combined to throw the 11th no-hitter in franchise history while all wearing Skaggs No. 45 jersey in a 13-0 win over the Mariners at Angel Stadium.
In their first home game since Skaggs death at 27 years old on July 1, Angels paid tribute to Skaggs with a touching pregame ceremony that featured his mother, Debbie, throwing a perfect ceremonial first pitch. It set the tone for an incredible effort from Cole, serving as the opener, and Pena, as the two combined to surrender just one walk. Omar Narvaez was the lone player to reach base for Seattle, drawing a four-pitch walk against Pena in the fifth.
"That was one of the most special moments I have been a part of on a Major League field, 25 years," manager Brad Ausmus said. "Just the way the game went, and culminating with a no-hitter. You feel like it's partly Skaggy's no-hitter."
Pena came out for the ninth at 76 pitches, and retired Mac Williamson and Dee Gordon for the first two outs before getting Mallex Smith to ground out sharply to second baseman Luis Rengifo for the final out. Angels players rushed the field after the game in an emotional moment to celebrate the unbelievable accomplishment.
After the no-hitter, there was an incredibly emotional moment with Angels players meeting at the mound to lay down their No. 45 Skaggs jerseys to honor him. In the center of the mound, they placed a painting of Skaggs made by a fan.
RIP Tyler Skaggs. You died far too young, and your teammates and all of the baseball world will miss you. This no-hitter was for you. ---
