Angels Prospect Jordan Kipper Tosses CG No-No

What a day to be a pitcher! Jordan Kipper, a pitcher for the Arkansas Travelers, the Angels Double-A affiliate makes history and tosses a complete game no-hitter.

The 23-year-old right-hander took the mound Tuesday night. To start the ball game he walked the leadoff man. Many thinking he might be in for a little trouble. What he did not know, he would retire the next 26 batters following the lead-off walk. He maintained his composure and worked a 4-6-3 double play, plus a strikeout to finish the first.

Kipper, breezed through 26 batters, reaching a career high 8 strikeouts. He improved his record to 3-2, lowering his ERA to 3.78. He did have a close call in the ninth, Cam Gallagher, almost knocked a homer over the left field wall, but it was just foul. He preserved the no-no by striking him out. The offense was no slouch either, they tallied 6 runs in support of Kipper and 11 hits was more than enough. As he slowly realized his no-hitter in the middle innings, Kipper, did not let his mind wander and focused in on winning the game. Kipper, was a walk away from a perfect game.

Promoted to Double-A this season, Kipper, has emerged as a top prospect for the Angels. He is the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the MiLB this season and the first Traveler to throw one since 2010 which was by Ryan Braiser.

The rookie has not made a giant impact in the minors until now. Hopefully he can carry his confidence in future games. This performance is noteworthy, and could boost his chance to see big league action earlier in his career rather than later, but before you think of Kipper as a potential candidate for the injury-plagued Angels rotation, realize that he is probably at least a year or two away from being major league ready.  For now Kipper gets to enjoy his accomplishment at least until his next turn in the rotation.