Wow, I thought this guy might be a pretty decent pitcher this year, but I had no idea he'd be THIS good! 4 and 1 with a 2.04 ERA this month, and a NO-HITTER today!!! I don't care if it was against the Devil Rays, a no-no is still a no-no. You could see Lowe's nervousness, with a few pitches that were nearly wild, but he held it together and got a very easy 1-2-3 in the 9th.

Second only to Lowe's accomplishment is the notable fact that Jason Varitek caught his second no-no in 13 months (Nomo's no-no last year against the O's). When people talk about the Sox's collapse last season, you always hear about Pedro and Nomar, but I don't think you should underestimate the loss of Varitek. Aside from being a very good offensive and defensive catcher, he's one of the very best at calling a game. Oh yeah, and he's incredibly hot.

I know it's still April, and after last year there isn't a single fan in Red Sox Nation who hasn't learned to temper their expectations, but I can't help but be really excited about Pedro and D-Lo. I think they're the second best 1-2 in baseball right now.

[ April 29, 2002: Message edited by: fielderschoice ]

As a devoted Yankee Fan, it pains me to say this. I give Derek Lowe all the credit in the world. A NO-NO is still something hard to do in baseball and he did it so he deserves his props.

and speaking of Jason Varitek, he's by far the only thing I like about the Red Sox, how HOT is that man WOOF! . And he's a decent hitter, but his average of throwing baserunners isn't that good but I'm sure that will improve soon.

-GIL

Some sweet, Lowe! One walk away from a perfect game, right? Took him 97 pitches to do it; it took him 10 games to throw that many pitches last year. Kudos to the Sox for moving him out of the bullpen, and to Urbina for keeping him out. Way to go, Derek Lowe!

Most of the BoSox pitching staff has been a solid "A" so far, and the rest of the line-up has really been whacking the leather off the ball.

Life is good in Red Sox Nation. And there is much rejoicing. ("yay")

As for Varitek... a-wa-a-wa-a-WOOF!

I was there!!!!! Right behind home plate, about 10 rows up, great place to be.
My first live no-hitter. Very exciting. The Boston fans are the best in the world. I've been to games in Philly, LA. Nothing like our fans, sorry to brag.
Lowe's little speech after the game, "you guys had lost faith in me last year, yet you remained loyal, thanks for your support, etc." was very touching.
Do I dare trust that this is the year?
Seph, if you can have Montreal for hockey, do you promise to root for the Sox?

At today's Bruins game they announced the news of Lowe's no hitter on the scoreboard. The fans at the Fleet were on their feet cheering! At least they had SOMETHING to cheer about!

Tom, the "S" in Seph stands for Sox. I've been a life-long devotee and have the ballcaps, banners and used ticket stubs to prove it. I'm thinking of making the pilgrimage again this year for a week-end series. Anybody got a few spare tickets?

Impressive, I must say.

And on the same day, Derek Lilly of the Yankees nearly throws one, but gives up one hit that turns into a 1-0 loss. The day before, two different pitchers throw 1-hitters.

Other pitching staffs are surrendering runs like carnival rings. What a strange and interesting early season!

[quote]Originally posted by Tom:
I was there!!!!! Right behind home plate, about 10 rows up, great place to be.
My first live no-hitter. Very exciting.

---

To give you some idea of how lucky you are, on the radio yesterday morning, Peter Gammons said that of thousands of games he's seen live, he has never once been in the ballpark for a no-hitter.