Crochet delivered a commanding performance, pitching 7.1 no-hit innings with 11 strikeouts. This outing helped the Red Sox escape a series sweep by securing a 3-1 triumph. He silenced his former team’s bats in pursuit of a legendary reputation, especially after his Tommy John surgery. Crochet showcased a powerful slider, explosive fastball, and superb command. His performance reminded fans why the Red Sox traded top prospects for him. Even the Red Sox manager didn’t restrain his compliments. But what caught everyone’s attention was Cora’s reaction to the White Sox ending the no-hit bid.

It wasn’t the disappointment you might expect—in fact, it was downright bizarre. “Honestly, I’ve never been so happy for the opponent to get a hit,” he said, drawing a few chuckles from the media. “Chase got a hit. I’m like, ‘OK, now we can move on.” His reaction felt more like pity, considering the White Sox’s 4-11 record so far this season.

It goes without saying that Cora wanted Crochet to finish the no-hitter, which would have been historic since the Red Sox haven’t been able to achieve it for 17 years and counting. They stand with the third-most no-hitters count in the league, trailing behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and the White Sox. The last no-hitter they recorded was in 2008 by Jon Lester in a game against the Kansas City Royals. After concluding the game, then-manager Terry Francona rushed to the mound to embrace Lester, who, less than two years ago, was diagnosed with anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

Wanna know the irony of Sunday’s game? The right-handed reliever, Chase Meidroth, who spoiled the no-hitter, was one of the four prospects Boston traded to acquire their ace, Crochet, from Chicago. Even though the no-hitter didn’t happen, the Red Sox sealed the victory at 3-1, improving their record to 8-10.

And if you thought manager Cora’s response was bizarre, wait until you see what Crochet, who fell short of making history, has to say.

Red Sox pitcher finds humor in no-hitter ending irony

Crochet was mere five outs away from engraving his name in the pages of Boston’s rich history. In just five outs, he would have succeeded in having the no-hitter game on Sunday, which he extended to the eighth inning. But then came the unexpected by Meidroth—a ground-ball single. It’s a dream of every pitcher to have a no-hitter, but despite that dream getting ruined for Crochet, he found it quite funny. Yes, funny! 

“I thought that was pretty funny, too. I don’t really have anything to say about it. He put a good swing on the ball,” said Crochet, via Chris Cotillo of MassLive. The irony of having Meidroth break the no-hitter was probably what felt funny to Crochet. Regardless, his performance on Sunday wasn’t just another game—it was a statement.

In his return to Chicago, the former White Sox pitcher flirted with baseball history, taking a no-hitter deep into the eighth inning since 2016. Crochet’s return to Guaranteed Rate Field wasn’t about nostalgia or sentimentality, it was about business. The former White Sox ace, now donning Red Sox colors, approached his first start back in Chicago with a calm and focused demeanor, treating it like any other outing. And indeed, it worked out well for him.