Fewest pitches in a no-hitter: Astros’ Framber Valdez challenges Darryl Kile’s record in domination of Guardians

Framber Valdez joined the annals of baseball history on Tuesday night when he threw the 321st no-hitter in MLB history.

The Astros starter was able to shut down the Guardians’ helpless offense in one of the most efficient displays in MLB history. He faced the minimum 27 batters during the contest, with his lone blemish being a walk of Oscar Gonzalez in the fifth inning.

Though Gonzalez reached base, Valdez was able to force Will Brennan to ground into a double play two batters later to end the inning.

MORE: Framber Valdez tosses no-hitter in dominant fashion vs. Guardians

As such, Valdez needed just 93 pitches to send Cleveland home with a 2-0 loss. That marked the fewest pitches in a no-hitter since 1999 and the third-fewest since MLB began tracking pitch counts as an official stat in 1988.

Indeed, few pitchers have ever had a more dominant and efficient no-hitter than Valdez. But there have been at least a couple, and the record is held by a player who also suited up for the Astros. 

MORE: How many MLB no-hitters have there been in 2023?

Fewest pitches in a no-hitter

Darryl Kile holds the record for the fewest pitches in a no-hitter. The Houston pitcher managed to throw just 83 in a no-hitter against the Mets in 1993.

Valdez completed his no-no in 93 pitches, good for the fourth-fewest in MLB history. He is one of just 14 players to throw a no-hitter or perfect game in fewer than 100 pitches since MLB officially began tracking pitch counts as a stat in 1988.

Below are the pitchers to record a no-hitter — or perfect game — in 99 or less pitches since 1988, per Stathead.

* Denotes the pitcher threw a perfect game.