“Magical Moment”: Michael Lorenzen Throws No-Hitter vs. Nats in First Start at Citizens Bank Park
Photo via the Philadelphia Phillies on Twitter
Usually, a no-hitter results in a man pile on the mound, champagne in the clubhouse, and a segment on the national news. But for Michael Lorenzen, whose no-hitter vs. the Nationals was the 14th in Phillies’ history, it meant much more than just the postgame celebrations. For the Phillies’ righty, it was an opportunity to reflect, not just on today, but on his entire career, which has been infiltrated by injuries and missed opportunities that Lorenzen has recognized.
It has not always been easy, it has never come without hard work, persistence, and dedication, but one thing has always been a constant throughout Lorenzen’s nine-year career—will. Not only has he strived to have a season as good as his 2023 All-Star campaign, but he has always wanted to be a starting pitcher. It’s been his one and only goal.
“Don’t let other people tell you what you can and can’t do. I worked insanely hard to make this dream come true. I’ve watched every single one of Nolan Ryan’s no-hitters because I have always wanted to throw a no-hitter,” Lorenzen told broadcaster, John Kruk, right after the game. “You have to keep going for it. Keep working.”
While the effect was not immediate, the work clearly paid off.
When Lorenzen debuted as a starter in 2015, he posted a 5.40 ERA in 21 starts before being moved to the bullpen for the next six seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. Lorenzen had success, especially in 2019 when he boasted a 2.92 ERA in 73 games out of the ‘pen, but he never reached his ultimate goal of being a starting pitcher.
“This game has punched me in the face so many times. This is my ninth season, and I’ve yet to have a year I am happy about,” Lorenzen said.
Fast forward to 2022, and he finally gets another opportunity with the L.A. Angels, his hometown team. By July 3, his ERA sat at 3.19, and he was finally having that season he dreamt of.
Until, suddenly, he was not.
After three rough outings in June 2022 and a demoralizing, three-inning start on the first of July, it was uncovered that Lorenzen had a shoulder strain that was derailing his promising season. On July 7, he was put on the 15-day IL. A month later, Lorenzen was transferred to the 60-day IL, unsure if the opportunity to start would ever re-present itself.
Luckily, Lorenzen was off the shelf by September, and he made the most of the opportunity, posting a 2.36 ERA in his last five starts of the 2022 season.
From there, he never looked back. Lorenzen signed a one-year deal with the Tigers in December 2022, and he pitched for the American League All-Stars in July 2023. A month later, he became the first Phillie to throw a no-hitter since Cole Hamels did so in 2015.
“That was the coolest moment of my career—going out there for the ninth,” Lorenzen said to the media after the game. “Just walking out of the dugout and hearing the fans go wild, it gave me the chills. It gave me that boost of energy that I needed for sure.”
Certainly, Lorenzen was not the only one with chills.
In his nine hitless innings, Lorenzen struck out five and walked four on 124 pitches. Even though he did not allow a hit, Lorenzen’s control was shaky in the first four innings. In the fifth, however, when he got a better feel for his off-speed pitch, Lorenzen became unstoppable.
“I was upset at myself for those first couple of innings. They were long innings, walking guys, and I knew I’d ruined my chances to go deep in this game. I had a couple quick ones… just trying to buy some more innings,” Lorenzen said. “It was incredible.”
Of course, Lorenzen did not take all of the credit. The Phillies’ outfield excelled, and J.T. Realmuto called a spectacular game behind the dish.
“Hats off to J.T. for game two, for me not shaking at all, and just for being on the same page,” Lorenzen said.
And after just two starts with the Phillies, Lorenzen has already put himself atop the running for August NL Pitcher of the Month, as he has allowed just two runs and six hits in 17 innings with the Phillies.
“It’s hard not to get a little emotional because this is all I’ve worked for. This is a dream come true,” Lorenzen told reporters.
Tomorrow, with Aaron Nola on the bump, the Phillies will go for the series win against the Nationals, which would push them to a season-high twelve games over .500.
Needless to say, the vibes are immaculate, and anyone in the Phillies’ clubhouse, even Rob Thomson—the Phillies’ usually-even-keeled manager—will attest to that: “Unbelievable, buddy. Welcome to Philadelphia, baby!”
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