Houston Astros Make History with Combined No-Hitter vs Texas

Imai leads Astros to combined no-hitter against Rangers  

Houston tied for third-most no-hitters in MLB history after Tatsuya Imai, Steven Okert and Alimber Santa held Texas hitless. Imai starred with six hitless innings in his best MLB start.

After a rough start to his MLB career, Imai delivered six hitless innings to lead Houston’s combined no-hitter. The Astros now have the third-most no-hitters in league history...

Houston Astros pitchers threw a combined no-hitter in a 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday night.

The shutout was the 18th no-hitter in Astros history, tying the franchise for third-most all time in Major League Baseball. It also gives Houston more no-hitters than any other team since the club was founded in 1962.

Starting pitcher Tatsuya Imai held the Rangers hitless through six innings, issuing four walks and striking out two on 97 pitches with 57 strikes. Steven Okert kept the no-hitter intact in the seventh, and Alimber Santa closed it out with hitless eighth and ninth innings.

Imai had a rough first season in Major League Baseball, struggling on the mound and dealing with challenges adjusting to life in the U.S. after leaving Japan. Against the Rangers, he finally looked comfortable and in control.

Coming into the game, Imai had an 8.31 ERA that dropped to 6.17 after the outing. In 17.1 innings this season he had allowed 14 walks and 17 hits, giving him a 1.788 WHIP.

Tatsuya Imai started and kept Texas hitless for six innings, walking four and striking out two on 97 pitches. Steven Okert followed with a clean seventh inning, and Alimber Santa finished the job in the eighth and ninth to complete the combined no-hitter.

Imai’s first year in the majors was tough, both on the mound and off it. He dealt with struggles adjusting to life in the U.S. after coming over from Japan, but he looked far more settled in this outing.

Before this game, Imai’s ERA sat at 8.31 and is now down to 6.17. Across 17.1 innings this season he had allowed 14 walks and 17 hits, leaving him with a 1.788 WHIP going into the night.

This outing could be the breakout performance Imai needed to settle in with the Astros.

Yordan Alvarez hit his 16th home run of the year, and Christian Walker added his 15th. Together they drove in five of Houston’s nine runs.

With the win, the Astros moved to 24-31 in the American League West. They remain just behind the Rangers, who sit at 24-29.

Christian Walker stays HOT!

His 4th home run in the last 3 days 😤 pic.twitter.com/rnOqphu8gy

— MLB (@MLB) May 26, 2026