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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

MLB notes: Giants rookie Chris Heston no-hits Mets

San Francisco Giants rookie starting pitcher Chris Heston is mobbed after his no-hitter. (Associated Press)
Associated Press

Chris Heston pitched a no-hitter in his 13th major league start, coming within three hit batters of a perfect game and leading the San Francisco Giants over the New York Mets 5-0 Tuesday night in New York.

The 27-year-old rookie right-hander allowed just three baserunners, hitting Ruben Tejada and Lucas Duda with pitches in the fourth inning during a span of three pitches and plunking Anthony Recker leading off the ninth.

Heston (6-4) struck out 11, walked none and allowed just two balls into the outfield, flyouts by Wilmer Flores in the second inning and Michael Cuddyer in the seventh.

Brandon Crawford made a strong throw from deep at shortstop to get Eric Campbell for the final out of the eighth.

After throwing called third strikes in the ninth by pinch-hitter Danny Muno, Curtis Granderson and Tejada, Heston walked calmly off the mound toward home plate and was hugged by catcher Buster Posey.

Verlander ready to go

Detroit Tigers starter Justin Verlander is set to make his first start this season against the Cleveland Indians on Saturday.

The 2011 A.L. MVP and Cy Young Award winner has been sidelined all season after leaving a March 27 spring training game with a strained right triceps. His recovery suffered several setbacks before the last couple weeks.

He has made two rehab starts for Triple-A Toledo, and only allowed one run on four hits and no walks in 5 2/3 innings Saturday against Columbus.

Two Zags, one Coug drafted

The Gonzaga Bulldogs had two players selected on the second day of the MLB draft. Right-hander Andrew Sopko was chosen by the Dodgers in the seventh round, while infielder Mitchell Gunsolus was picked by the Red Sox in the 10th round. WSU right-hander Sam Triece was selected by the Rays in the 10th round. The draft concludes today with rounds 11-30.

Clearing the bases

The Cardinals placed left fielder Matt Holliday on the 15-day disabled list with a Grade 2 right quadriceps strain. The Cardinals recalled right-hander Miguel Socolovich from Triple-A Memphis. … Hunter Pence could be headed back to the DL. The Giants right fielder has not played since June 2 because of a sore left wrist. … Free-agent reliever Rafael Soriano agreed to a minor league contract with the Cubs and would get s $4.1 million, one-year deal if added to the major league roster. … The Rays put starting pitcher Jake Odorizzi on the 15-day DL with a left oblique strain. Odorizzi is 4-5 with a 2.47 ERA in 12 games this season. … The Braves optioned former Gonzaga right-hander Cody Martin to Triple-A Gwinnett and purchased the contract of veteran right-hander David Aardsma. … Two-time A.L. MVP Juan Gonzalez and former reliever Jeff Russell are the latest players selected to the Rangers Hall of Fame. They will be inducted during pregame ceremonies July 11.