When did Matt Cain pitch a perfect game? This question often comes up in discussions about the greatest pitching performances in Major League Baseball history. On June 13, 2012, Matt Cain, a right-handed pitcher for the San Francisco Giants, achieved the remarkable feat of throwing a perfect game against the Houston Astros.
Matt Cain’s perfect game was a testament to his incredible skill and determination. The game took place at AT&T Park in San Francisco, where the Giants were hosting the Astros. It was a chilly evening, with temperatures dropping into the 50s, but the atmosphere was electric as fans gathered to witness history.
Cain’s perfect game began in the first inning, where he struck out the side on just 11 pitches. The Giants were trailing 1-0 at the time, but Cain’s dominance on the mound quickly turned the tide. He retired the Astros in order in each of the next eight innings, never allowing a baserunner to reach first base.
Throughout the game, Cain displayed a mix of fastballs, sliders, and changeups, keeping the Astros hitters off balance. His fastball averaged around 92 mph, and he used his breaking pitches to devastating effect. One of the key moments in the game came in the fifth inning, when Cain struck out Carlos Pena with a slider that seemed to dive straight into the ground.
As the game progressed, the tension in the stadium grew. Fans held their breath as Cain faced the minimum number of hitters in each inning. In the ninth inning, with the crowd on its feet, Cain retired the first two batters before striking out Jason Bourgeois to complete the perfect game.
Matt Cain’s perfect game was his 14th career shutout and his first perfect game. It was also the 22nd perfect game in MLB history. The achievement was a highlight of his career and solidified his reputation as one of the best pitchers in the league.
In the aftermath of the game, Cain received praise from his teammates, coaches, and opponents. Giants manager Bruce Bochy said, “Matt was in control the whole game. He had a great breaking ball and a great changeup. He was just outstanding tonight.”
When did Matt Cain pitch a perfect game? The answer is June 13, 2012, a date that will forever be etched in the annals of baseball history. His perfect game serves as a reminder of the beauty and drama of the sport, and it will long be remembered as one of the greatest pitching performances of all time.
