After seven and two-thirds innings of no-hit ball Saturday afternoon in Tampa Bay, C.C. Sabathia was within striking distance of his first career no-hitter.
Just four outs to go.
His team enduring an 8-0 thumping from the visiting New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays catcher Kelly Shoppach arrived in the batter’s box with one desire—to break up the no-hitter.
Traded from the Boston Red Sox to the Cleveland Indians in 2006 as part of a deal that sent Coco Crisp to Fenway, Shoppach perhaps channeled some of that old Fenway spirit when he stepped to the plate.
After watching Willy Aybar ground out and Pat Burrell flight out, Shoppach stepped up with a chance to break up the impeding historical moment.
In the third inning, after watching Pat Burrell p ...
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Article written by Peter Douglas
Former Red Sox Kelly Shoppach Stymies C.C. Sabathia’s No Hitter
Posted: 10th April 2010 by Peter Douglas in MLBComments Off on Former Red Sox Kelly Shoppach Stymies C.C. Sabathia’s No Hitter