Juan Soto’s Late Homer Thwarts Gavin Williams’ No-Hitter Attempt

In one of the most thrilling pitching performances of the 2025 MLB season, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams came tantalizingly close to pitching a no-hitter against the New York Mets.

Williams took fans on a rollercoaster of emotions, carrying a no-hit bid into the ninth inning but watching history slip away with just five outs left. Let’s dig into the game and those moments that had baseball enthusiasts glued to every pitch.

Gavin Williams’ Commanding Performance on the Mound

Facing a Mets lineup packed with firepower, Gavin Williams delivered what might be the defining performance of his young MLB career. The 24-year-old right-hander looked untouchable through eight innings, even as his pitch count climbed higher than ever before.

He threw a season-high 111 pitches through the first eight frames. Williams leaned on his high-velocity fastball and mixed in off-speed stuff that kept Mets hitters guessing all night.

Manager Stephen Vogt clearly trusted his ace to finish the job. With no relievers warming up, Vogt sent Williams back out for the ninth, trusting him despite the pitch count.

The Guardians’ faithful held their breath, sensing something special was brewing.

Ninth-Inning Drama: So Close, Yet So Far

The ninth inning felt electric. Williams struck out the dangerous Francisco Lindor on three pitches, suddenly just two outs away from MLB’s first no-hitter of 2025.

The tension in the stadium was almost unbearable; every pitch seemed to hang in the air. Then, in a heartbeat, the dream vanished.

Juan Soto stepped up and hammered a 1-0 fastball to center field for a solo home run. That was Soto’s 26th homer of the year and the Mets’ only run of the night.

Williams handed the ball off to the Guardians’ bullpen after 8 2/3 innings. He walked off to a standing ovation, tipping his cap as the crowd showed its appreciation.

A Masterful Stat Line Despite the Heartbreak

Performances like Williams’ don’t come around often. The numbers from the game say it all:

• Innings Pitched: 8 2/3
• Total Pitches: 126
• Strikeouts: 6
• Walks: 4
• Earned Runs Allowed: 1
• Hits Allowed: 1

His outing dropped his season ERA to 3.17, marking a personal best in his three years in the majors. Sure, the no-hitter got away, but it’s hard not to see Williams as a rising star after a night like that.

Guardians’ Quest for No-Hit History Continues

The Cleveland Guardians have a storied franchise history, but no-hitters have been rare in recent decades. The team’s last no-hitter was back in 1981, when Len Barker threw a perfect game that still gets talked about today.

Williams’ near-miss just highlights how tough no-hitters are now—pitch counts, bullpen moves, and big bats make it a real challenge. Still, the Guardians picked up a 4-1 win over the Mets, boosting their record and keeping postseason hopes alive.

And while the next no-hitter remains elusive, Gavin Williams gave fans a night to remember and a glimpse of what might be ahead.

Takeaways from Gavin Williams’ Brilliant Night

Williams’ near-no-hitter wasn’t just a memorable game—it felt like a statement. You could see his growth and the spark that hints he might soon join the league’s elite pitchers.

The Guardians clearly trust their young talent. They let guys like Williams step up and face big moments, which says a lot about their approach.

For fans, it was a wild mix of excitement and heartbreak. Baseball tends to remind us that it’s often about the moments that almost happen, not just the ones that make the highlight reel.

Complete games and no-hitters are getting rare these days. Performances like Williams’ keep the magic alive, even if history slips away at the last second.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Juan Soto spoils Gavin Williams’ no-hit bid with 9th-inning home run, but Guardians hold on to top Mets