Justin Martinez throws D-backs' second immaculate inning of the season
An immaculate inning (a nine-pitch, three-strikeout inning) is a more rare achievement than a no-hitter.
Justin Martinez was immaculate on Friday.
To be more specific, the Arizona Diamondbacks reliever threw an immaculate inning against the Texas Rangers , striking out three hitters on three pitches each in the sixth frame. Six of those pitchers were faster than 100 mph.
With only 123 immaculate innings in MLB history, it remains a feat more rare than a no-hitter, though there have been far more in recent years as pitchers dial up their velocity and throw fewer complete games.
It is also the second immaculate inning for the D-backs this season, as Michael Soroka threw one in the fourth game of their season on March 30 against the Detroit Tigers . There have been two others in MLB this season, by Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians (July 23) and Taj Bradley of the Minnesota Twins (Aug. 25).
Martinez is in his fourth season with the D-backs and made his return from Tommy John surgery last month. He hasn't allowed a run in eight appearances since, while striking out 11 and allowing only two hits in 7 2/3 innings.
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