Has there ever been a no-hitter in a World Series game?

On Wednesday night, Cristian Javier and three Houston Astros pitchers closed out the Phillies 5-0 and completed a feat that hadn’t happened since 1956.

Javier started Game 4 in the series for Houston, tossing six innings of no-hit ball, striking out nine and walking two. He threw 97 pitches before being relieved.

Bryan Abreu and Rafael Montero each pitched a perfect inning before Ryan Pressly shut down the Phillies in the ninth to throw the second no-hitter in World Series history and the first combined no-hitter in playoff history.

The masterful work by Javier evened the Series at two games apiece against a Phillies lineup that was averaging seven runs at home this postseason.

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Javier’s parents knew he was making history

According to Javier, his parents knew he was going to throw a no-hitter heading into Game 4, and “thanks to God, I was able to accomplish that,” said the 25-year-old. Javier’s parents also flew to the US ahead of the game, and watched him pitch for the first time.

Who threw the first no-hitter in the World Series?

There had only been one no-hitter in the history of the World Series before Javier’s on Wednesday, but that first time was an absolutely perfect game.

Back in the 1956 Fall Classic, Don Larsen of the New York Yankees delivered a perfect game against the Brooklyn Dodgers. That game also put the Yankees ahead 3-2 in the series, and they went on to win in seven games.

Needless to say, throwing a no-hitter in the playoffs is tough enough, let alone in the World Series. And given the Phillies hit five home runs against the Astros pitching just 24 hours prior, this was a completely unexpected and outstanding moment for the Astros.

Both teams prepare for an anticipated Game 5 at Citizens Bank Park tonight, with Justin Verlander and Noah Syndergaard as the starting pitchers.

Be sure to follow Game 5 of the World Series along with us here at AS USA.