Twice is nice for Tampa Bay Rays pitching prospect Victor Mateo.
The 24-year-old right-hander from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, pitched his second career no-hitter Saturday night in the Double-A Montgomery Biscuits’ 3-0 victory over the Jacksonville Suns at Riverwalk Stadium.
Mateo’s first career no-hitter occurred July 8, 2011, when he threw the first no-hitter in Class A Bowling Green’s history in a seven-inning game against Lake County. On Saturday, Jacksonville catcher J.T. Realmuto was the only batter to reach base when he drew a five-pitch walk in the top of the first inning.
"Obviously, it was similar to the no-hitter two years ago," Montgomery pitching coach R.C. Lichtenstein told MiLB.com. "This is a cut above because it's nine innings. He's flirted with some really solid games earlier this year. He's just showing that that was a turning point."
Mateo threw 100 pitches Saturday, 74 for strikes, and faced the minimum 27 batters, thanks to Realmuto being retired on a double play.
Mateo is 6-9 with a 4.06 ERA in 26 appearances this season.
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