Guardians' Messick Loses No-Hitter in 4-2 Win Over Orioles

Cleveland Guardians rookie pitcher Parker Messick carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning Thursday night at Progressive Field, dominating the Baltimore Orioles before the bid ended with two outs to go in a 4-2 victory for the home team.

The 25-year-old left-hander, making his 11th major league start, retired the first 24 batters he faced after walking leadoff hitter Taylor Ward to open the game. Messick issued a second free pass to Leody Taveras to start the sixth, but Ward followed with a grounder that sparked an inning-ending double play. He struck out nine batters, matching a career high, while throwing 112 pitches over eight-plus innings. Messick walked off the mound with the Guardians ahead 4-0, but Taveras broke up the no-hitter by grounding the first pitch of the ninth past a diving Juan Brito at second base for a single to right field. Blaze Alexander then lined a single to center, prompting manager Stephen Vogt to remove Messick. Reliever Cade Smith allowed two runs later in the frame on RBI singles, but the Guardians' bullpen held firm to secure the win.

Messick's performance featured sharp command and support from his defense. Ward's deep fly to center in the third...