Who was the last pitcher to pitch a perfect game? The answer to this question is a name that has become synonymous with pitching excellence in the world of baseball: Dallas Keuchel. On April 21, 2015, Keuchel, then a member of the Houston Astros, achieved the rare feat of throwing a perfect game against the Colorado Rockies, marking the first time such an achievement had been accomplished in the Major League since 2012.
The perfect game is a baseball game in which a pitcher faces a total of 27 batters without allowing any of them to reach base safely. It is one of the most prestigious and challenging feats in the sport, requiring a combination of pinpoint control, strategic pitching, and sometimes a bit of good luck. Dallas Keuchel’s perfect game was a testament to his remarkable skill and the dedication he had shown throughout his career.
Keuchel’s perfect game was not just a personal achievement; it was also a team effort. The Astros’ defense played a crucial role in Keuchel’s perfect game, making several impressive plays that kept the Rockies’ hitters off the basepaths. The combination of Keuchel’s pitching and his team’s defense made for a memorable night at Minute Maid Park.
Prior to Keuchel, the last pitcher to throw a perfect game was Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay on May 29, 2010. Halladay’s perfect game against the Florida Marlins was the 20th in Major League history, and it was a fitting end to a career that saw him win the Cy Young Award in 2010 and 2011.
The perfect game is a rare occurrence, and the fact that it has only happened 23 times in the history of Major League Baseball speaks to its significance. For pitchers like Dallas Keuchel and Roy Halladay, achieving a perfect game is a pinnacle of their careers, a testament to their talent and the hard work they have put into their craft.
In conclusion, the last pitcher to pitch a perfect game was Dallas Keuchel, who etched his name into baseball history with his masterpiece against the Rockies. His perfect game is a shining example of the beauty and challenge of baseball, and it will long be remembered as one of the greatest pitching performances of all time.
