The Houston Astros secured a dominant 9-0 victory over the Texas Rangers on Monday night in Arlington, Texas, as three pitchers combined to throw the first no-hitter of the 2026 Major League Baseball season. Tatsuya Imai started and worked six innings, followed by Steven Okert in the seventh and Alimber Santa, who made his big-league debut by retiring all six batters he faced in the final two frames.
The performance marked the 17th no-hitter in Astros franchise history and the fourth that involved multiple pitchers. It also represented the first time an MLB team had thrown a no-hitter since Shota Imanaga and two Chicago Cubs relievers combined for a 12-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in September 2024. The last complete-game no-hitter occurred in August 2024 when Blake Snell held the Cincinnati Reds hitless.
Imai, in his first season with Houston after signing a three-year, $54 million contract in January, allowed no hits while striking out batters consistently after an early walk. The 28-year-old right-hander, a three-time All-Star during eight seasons in Japan with the Seibu Lions, improved to 10-5 with a 1.92 ERA in his final campaign overseas before joining the Astros.
Okert entered in the seventh inning and walked three of his first four batters faced but escaped trouble with a double play. He settled down to keep the Rangers without a hit through his one inning of work. Santa then took the mound in the eighth and needed just 24 pitches to close out the game, including a called third strike against Brandon Nimmo that was upheld following an ABS challenge.
The Rangers, who have now been held hitless six times in franchise history, last suffered that fate on May 19, 2021, when Corey Kluber of the New York Yankees threw a no-hitter against them. Monday's shutout extended Houston's winning streak to four games and came at a time when batters across the league have increasingly turned to the new ABS challenge system.
According to the game account, Imai retired 16 of the final 16 batters he faced after issuing an early walk in the first inning. The Astros offense provided ample support, plating nine runs to back the pitching staff in the shutout win at Globe Life Field.
Santa's debut proved particularly memorable as the rookie was doused with water in celebration following the final out. His performance capped a combined effort that echoed Houston's 2022 World Series no-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies, which also involved four pitchers.
The Associated Press contributed to reports on the contest, noting the historical significance for the Astros pitching staff. Imai's transition from Japanese baseball to the majors has been seamless thus far, with the right-hander showing the command that made him a standout in the Pacific League.
Officials at the ballpark confirmed the no-hit bid remained intact through each inning, with the crowd growing louder as the game progressed into the later stages. The Rangers managed several hard-hit balls but none found gaps, as Houston's defense played error-free behind the trio of pitchers.
This combined no-hitter arrives early in the season and highlights the depth of the Astros pitching staff. Santa, called up for the opportunity, delivered under pressure in his first major league appearance.
Looking ahead, the Astros will aim to build on the momentum from the shutout as they continue their series against the Rangers. Imai is expected to make his next start later in the week, while Santa's role in the bullpen will be evaluated following his impressive debut.
The victory improved Houston's record and kept them competitive in the American League West standings. For the Rangers, the loss marked another frustrating night at the plate against strong pitching.