The
next no-hitter through the 1970’s that gets a spotlight in my long
running thread is the gem tossed by young “cocky” San Francisco
right-hander John Montefusco:
The reigning National league Rookie of the Year came into the 1976
season with high expectations and didn’t disappoint, culminating with a
9-0 win over the Atlanta Braves, keeping them hitless and giving the
Major Leagues their fourth no-hitter of the Bicentennial season.
Coming into the game with a 15-14 record, Montefusco came within one
pitch of a Perfect Game, settling for the no-hitter that only had a walk
to lead-off hitter Jerry Royster .
He struck out four while completing his no-no in just under two hours,
at one hour and 59 minutes to be exact. Can you imaging a game these
days coming in under two hours?
The no-hitter gave Montefusco an NL leading six shutouts for the season,
finishing up with a 16-14 record, along with an ERA of 2.84 with 11
complete games and 172 strikeouts in 253.1 innings of work.