Zack Greinke Perfect Game Bid

Lore & Background

The atmosphere at Chase Field on that May evening was electric, charged by the anticipation of a veteran ace delivering his best work. Greinke, known for his meticulous preparation and curveball, took the mound with the goal of total dominance. While the game is officially recorded as a No-Hitter, fans often recall it through the lens of perfection due to his sheer command over the Padres lineup. The distinction remains crucial in baseball history: a Perfect Game allows no baserunners, while Greinke's masterpiece included four walks. Despite these baserunners, he retired every other batter who reached a base hitless territory. This performance cemented his legacy as a Diamondback, marking his only career no-hitter.

Reader's Guide

This achievement represents Zack Greinke's most significant milestone during his tenure with the Diamondbacks. Occurring on May 5, 2019, at Chase Field, Greinke pitched a complete game no-hitter against the San Diego Padres. While often discussed in terms of perfection due to the dominance displayed, the official record is a No-Hitter because four walks were issued during the contest. This distinction separates it from the rare Perfect Game, where no baserunners are allowed at all. The significance lies in its rarity; only a handful of pitchers have achieved multiple no-hitters. For Arizona, this game remains a defining moment of the modern era, showcasing the club's ability to attract elite talent who perform at the highest level within their home stadium.

Did You Know?

• This was the first no-hitter thrown by a Diamondback pitcher since a combined no-hitter on June 29, 2010, and the first solo no-hitter since Randy Johnson's perfect game in 2004.
• Greinke won the National League Cy Young Award prior to joining Arizona, adding prestige to his tenure.