MLB Witnessed the 24th Perfect Game as Yankees' Domingo Germán Shines

Yankees' Domingo Germán throws 24th perfect game in MLB history.

In a stunning turn of events, New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germán went from a struggling player to etching his name in MLB history. Germán threw the 24th perfect game in MLB history during the Yankees' 11-0 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday. He retired all 27 batters he faced at the sparsely attended Oakland Coliseum, joining the ranks of Yankees legends Don Larsen, David Wells, and David Cone as the only pitchers in franchise history to achieve this feat.

Germán's final stat line was impeccable: 9 innings pitched, 0 hits, 0 walks, 9 strikeouts, and only 99 pitches thrown. This remarkable performance ended an 11-year drought since the last perfect game, which was achieved by Félix Hernández of the Seattle Mariners on August 15, 2012. It was the longest gap between perfect games since Catfish Hunter's in 1968 and Len Barker's in 1981.

While Germán's achievement is undoubtedly impressive, it is important to acknowledge the collective effort that goes into a perfect game. Defensive plays, such as a diving stop in the fifth inning, played a crucial role in preserving Germán's flawless performance.

What makes Germán's perfect game even more remarkable is the context surrounding his recent struggles. Just six days prior, he was met with boos from Yankees fans after a disastrous outing against the Mariners, where he allowed 10 runs (eight earned), eight hits, and two walks in just 3 1/3 innings. This dismal performance raised his ERA to 5.10, which would have ranked among the worst in the league if he had thrown enough innings to qualify. Germán's previous start against the Boston Red Sox was equally disappointing, with seven earned runs surrendered. These poor showings were indicative of a challenging season for Germán, who also faced controversy in April when he was ejected and suspended for 10 games for allegedly violating MLB's foreign substance policy.

It is worth noting that Germán's place in the Yankees' rotation was not guaranteed at the start of the season. After a mixed bag of results in his first six years with the team, he had to compete for the final spot in the rotation. While he had an impressive 18-4 record in 2019, Germán also struggled with a 5.57 ERA in 2018 and missed the entire 2020 season due to an 81-game domestic violence suspension.

The unpredictability of perfect games is a testament to the game of baseball. While some pitchers, like Sandy Koufax, are expected to achieve greatness, others, like Philip Humber, come out of nowhere to make history. Germán's historic night falls into the latter category, especially considering the caliber of the opponent he faced.

The Athletics, who have been plagued by numerous challenges, provided the backdrop for Germán's perfect game. With a batting lineup boasting low averages ranging from .179 to .260, the A's have struggled throughout the season. They currently hold the worst record in MLB at 21-60 and have a staggering minus-223 run differential. The team is also embroiled in a contentious relocation process that is likely to result in a move to Las Vegas in the coming years. With historically low attendance and a reputation for low payrolls and sporadic success, the A's seem to be hitting rock bottom.

Domingo Germán's perfect game against the A's is an extraordinary achievement, regardless of the circumstances. It is a testament to his resilience and skill as a pitcher, as well as the unpredictable nature of the game of baseball. Only time will tell if this historic moment marks the lowest point for the struggling Athletics.