Brilliant Bradish takes no-hit bid into 7th, but it took him a while to notice

BALTIMORE -- Much of the announced crowd of 28,958 at Camden Yards rose to its feet during the top of the seventh inning Saturday night, showing their appreciation for Kyle Bradish with a loud standing ovation. The 29-year-old right-hander strolled off the field, then tipped the bill of his cap in response.

There has still never been a no-hitter thrown by an Orioles pitcher in the 34-plus-year history of the Baltimore ballpark. But for quite a while on this night, Bradish gave the home supporters reason to believe that could have changed.

Bradish took a no-hit bid into the seventh, before Kansas City’s Jac Caglianone spoiled it by leading off the frame with a single. Still, Bradish turned in a 6 2/3-inning gem that helped power Baltimore to a 6-1 win.

The O’s (45-51) -- who hit four home runs, courtesy of Pete Alonso, Coby Mayo, Taylor Ward and Gunnar Henderson -- have won a season-high-tying three consecutive games for the eighth time. They’ll have an opportunity for their first four-game winning streak (and a sweep) in Sunday’s series finale against the Royals, their final game before the All-Star break.

The only Kansas City baserunners through the first six innings came in the third, when Isaac Collins reached base on a two-out error by second baseman Jackson Holliday and Carter Jensen followed with a walk. But Bradish escaped that jam by getting Bobby Witt Jr. to pop out to end the inning.

So, Bradish had retired 18 of 20 Royals batters entering the seventh, before Caglianone flared an 88.1 mph single into shallow center on the righty’s 82nd pitch. The crowd cheered in support of what had been accomplished by Bradish, who said he hadn’t realized what was happening until he took the mound that inning.

“I didn't really even notice until we went out for the seventh,” Bradish said. “When I ran out there, it was kind of a loud cheer, and I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ But then, it crept in my mind. I mean, it was a weak hit, but whatever.”

Though Bradish couldn’t complete a historic feat, he delivered an impressive one-run, two-hit outing that lowered his ERA to 3.61 after 19 starts. He collected five strikeouts during the 96-pitch, 58-strike performance.

Bradish only induced nine whiffs, but he was effective with all four of his pitches -- his sinker (thrown 32 times), slider (28), curveball (19) and four-seam fastball (17). He also leaned heavily on his defense, which converted nine groundouts behind him.

“He’s incredible. I think when he’s commanding that fastball, it sets up everything else,” Mayo said. “He has one of the best arsenals in the big leagues, and he’s super nasty. Obviously, he had his stuff tonight, and when he’s on, watch out.”

It wasn’t the first time Bradish has flirted with a no-no. On May 26, 2024, he threw seven hitless innings against the White Sox in Chicago. The Orioles’ combined effort ended when left-handed reliever Danny Coulombe gave up a home run to Danny Mendick to open the eighth.

It also may not be the last time Bradish comes this close (or potentially closer). His combination of electric stuff, confidence and poise makes him a threat to work a deep no-hit bid on any given night.

“It was one of those things where you’re watching and you kind of know what’s going on right from the jump. He had really good stuff,” manager Craig Albernaz said. “He did a great job of, obviously, pounding the zone. Fastball had great life. The breaking balls were really good tonight. He did an outstanding job for us. It was really fun to watch.”