PHOENIX — Justin Martinez was immaculate on Friday, striking out the side on nine pitches in the sixth inning for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Texas Rangers. The right-hander retired Wyatt Langford, Evan Carter and Jake Burger in order, needing just nine pitches with six clocked faster than 100 mph.
Martinez dispatched all three hitters on three pitches each to complete the 123rd immaculate inning in MLB history. The feat remains rarer than a no-hitter, though it has become more frequent in recent years as velocity has risen and complete games have declined.
It was Arizona's second immaculate inning this season. Michael Soroka threw the first on March 30 in the fourth game of the season against the Detroit Tigers. Around MLB this season, Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians recorded one on July 23 and Taj Bradley of the Minnesota Twins followed on Aug. 25.
The outing extended a sharp return for Martinez, who is in his fourth season with the D-backs after returning from Tommy John surgery last month. He has not allowed a run in eight appearances since his return, striking out 11 and allowing only two hits in 7 2/3 innings.