Tyler Gilbert, former USC pitcher, throws no-hitter in first MLB start

Tyler Gilbert made MLB history on Saturday night.

First and foremost, the former USC standout became the fourth-ever pitcher to throw a no-hitter in his first start. The last time it happened? Bob Holloman in 1951, according to research conducted by MLB.com’s Sarah Langs.

Gilbert’s accomplishment also set the new record for the most no-hitters thrown in a single season (eight), with the mark previously set at seven in 2015.

Tyler Gilbert is a 27-year-old who over his previous three seasons was a relief pitcher. He made his major league debut as a reliever, too, pitching in three games for Arizona this season. The Diamondbacks gave him his first start tonight. And all he did was no-hit the Padres.

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) August 15, 2021

Tyler Gilbert at USC

The former USC southpaw was a sixth-round pick of the Philadelphia Phillies out of USC in 2015, and spent five years with the organization before heading to the Dodgers and eventually the Arizona Diamondbacks. Gilbert pitched for the AAA Reno Aces for the entirety of his 2021 MLB season before his contract was selected by Arizona earlier this season.
 
Gilbert had made 11 appearances and 10 starts for Reno this season, posting a 3.44 ERA in 52.1 innings pitched, with 50 strikeouts and 19 walks. Through his six minor league seasons, Gilbert has never had an ERA higher than 3.98 and owns a 3.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio while putting up 8.2 strikeouts per 9 innings.
 
The southpaw played one season at USC in 2015 after transferring from Santa Barbara City College. He posted a 2.79 ERA in his lone season at Troy, making 22 appearances on the mound and six starts. Gilbert had two saves and struck out 66 batters while walking 25.

Gilbert’s no-hitter is the third in Diamondbacks franchise history.

Tyler Gilbert’s dad feeling ALL the emotions pic.twitter.com/c3WQBhVRh7

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) August 15, 2021

There are so many reasons to love this story, but the raw emotion as Gilbert’s father watched his son’s historic performance unfold has to be at the top of that list.

It’s just another reminder of how great sports can be.

Gilbert’s no-hitter is just the third in Diamondbacks history. The other two were Randy Johnson’s perfect game in 2004, and Edwin Jackson’s 149-pitch no-hitter in 2010.