Any time a pitcher returns to the mound after a no-hitter or perfect game, the name Johnny Vander Meer is evoked. In 1938, Vander Meer followed up one no-hitter with another in his next start for the Cincinnati Reds.
Of course, despite the predictable anticipation, no one has matched Vander Meer¡¯s feat in the major leagues.
But Roki Sasaki very nearly did it in Japan, following a perfect game ¡ª the rare feat of retiring all 27 batters in a game without allowing a base runner ¡ª with eight more perfect innings this week before being pulled.
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