The last perfect game in MLB was thrown on June 28, 2012, when Felix Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 1–0. This rare feat highlights how difficult it is to achieve a no-hitter with no walks and no hits allowed.
Below is a structured overview of the game, including key stats, context, and records associated with this modern perfect game.
| Pitcher | Team | Date | Opponent | Final Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Felix Hernandez | Seattle Mariners | June 28, 2012 | Tampa Bay Rays | Mariners 1, Rays 0 |
Game Details And Play By Play
Felix Hernandez’s perfect game unfolded at Tropicana Field in front of a modest crowd. He retired all 27 batters in order over nine scoreless innings, relying on a mix of sharp breaking balls, sinking fastballs, and precise location to keep the Rays completely off balance.
Historical Context And Rarity
Before Hernandez’s gem, the most recent perfect game in the major leagues had been pitched by Mark Buehrle in 2009. Perfect games are statistically rarer than no-hitters because they require not only preventing hits but also avoiding any base runner through walks or errors.
Pitching Statistics And Performance
Hernandez’s line was remarkable for its efficiency and command. He struck out 12 batters while issuing zero walks, and his fastball averaged just below 90 mph, demonstrating how control and movement can overpower even seasoned hitters.
Last Perfect Game Timeline
| Date | Pitcher | Team | Opponent | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| June 28, 2012 | Felix Hernandez | Seattle Mariners | Tampa Bay Rays | Tropicana Field |
| May 13, 2010 | Dallas Braden | Oakland Athletics | Tampa Bay Rays | Oakland Coliseum |
| July 23, 2009 | Mark Buehrle | Chicago White Sox | Tampa Bay Rays | U.S. Cellular Field |
| June 11, 2008 | Jonathan Sanchez | San Francisco Giants | San Diego Padres | AT&T Park |
Defensive Support And Game Flow
The Mariners provided timely runs and steady defense behind Hernandez. A solo home run in the first inning gave him the only run he needed, and the Mariners’ defense covered a number of potentially problematic balls, turning routine plays into outs that preserved the perfection of the game.
Legacy And Impact On The Franchise
This gem remains the Mariners’ only perfect game in franchise history. Hernandez’s performance is remembered for its calm dominance and efficiency, and it stands as a high-water mark in a career that featured multiple All-Star selections and consistent excellence over many seasons.
Key Takeaways On MLB Perfection
- A perfect game requires retiring every batter without allowing any to reach base.
- Only 24 perfect games have been thrown in MLB history.
- Felix Hernandez’s 2012 gem is the most recent perfect game as of today.
- Pitching command, defense, and timely hitting all contribute to such achievements.
- The rarity of perfect games makes them enduring benchmarks of pitching excellence.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many perfect games have occurred in MLB since 2000?
Since 2000, there have been 23 perfect games in MLB, underscoring both the continued excellence of modern pitching and the rarity of achieving a no-walk, no-hit performance.
What makes a perfect game different from a no-hitter?
A perfect game is a no-hitter where no batter reaches any base, meaning no hits, walks, hit-by-pitches, or errors allow a runner to reach safely, whereas a no-hitter may include walks or errors as long as no hits are recorded.
Has a perfect game ever been thrown in the postseason?
No player has ever thrown a perfect game in the MLB postseason, though several combined no-hitters have occurred in postseason history, highlighting the increased concentration required in championship series.
Who was the batter when the last perfect game occurred?
The final out of Felix Hernandez’s perfect game came when Carlos Peña popped out to end the ninth inning, sealing the 27th consecutive retired batter and preserving the immaculate performance.