Twins Pitcher's Next Appearance After a No-Hitter

How did Milton fare in his start following the no-hitter? (Photo: AP)

There was a lot of talk following Francisco Liriano's no-hitter about the Twins' pitchers that have accomplished the same feat. The 2011 Twins Record and Information Book lists five players that have thrown a no-hitter, but one of those outings was five inning no-hitter by Dean Chance.

Liriano will be taking the mound tonight at Target Field for the first time since his historic game. Let's take a look back at how the other Twins pitcher faired in their return to the mound following a no-hitter.

Jack Kralick: No-hitter on 8-26-62 vs. KC 1-0
Next appearance: 9-1-62
Opponent: Boston Red Sox (Fenway Park)
IP: 6.2
H: 4
ER: 3
BB: 2
K: 6
Final: Twins lost 5-4 (Kralick-No Decision)

Dean Chance: No-hitter on 8-25-67 at Cleveland 2-1

Next appearance: 8-30-67

Opponent: Baltimore Orioles (Metropolitan Stadium)

IP: 10

H: 9

ER: 3

BB: 1

K: 7

Final: Twins lost 4-2 (Chance-Loss)

Scott Erickson: No-hitter on 4-27-94 vs. Milwaukee 6-0

Next Appearance: 5-3-94

Opponent: Milwaukee Brewers (County Stadium)

IP: 5

H: 9

ER: 7

BB: 1

K: 2

Final: Twins lost 7-6 (Erickson-Loss)

Eric Milton: No-hitter on 9-11-99 vs. Anaheim 7-0

Next Appearance: 9-17-99

Opponent: Seattle Mariners (Safeco Field)

IP: 6

H: 4

ER: 2

BB:4

K: 3

Final: Twins lost 4-3 (Milton- No Decision)

There are some interesting trends to be noted from the above data:

-The Twins are 0-4 in games started by a pitcher following a no-hitter

-Dean Chance was the only Twins pitcher to go more than 7 innings in his next start following a no-hitter (He pitched 10 innings and took the loss)

-Scott Erickson no-hit the Brewers and in his next start he got shelled by the Brewers. What a difference a week can make?

-Dean Chance is the only Twins player to have his next appearance be at home following the no-hitter  (Liriano will be the second)