1964 04-23 Reds at Colt 45s
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This episode of the Thomas Paine Podcast presents a detailed play-by-play broadcast of a 1964 Major League Baseball game between the Houston Colt 45s and the Cincinnati Reds at Colt Stadium in Houston. The game is a historic pitching duel between Ken Johnson of the Colt 45s and Joe Nuxhall of the Reds, culminating in Johnson pitching a no-hitter through nine innings—only to lose the game 1-0 due to two defensive errors in the top of the ninth. The Reds scored their lone run on an error by Nellie Fox and a subsequent error by Johnson, allowing a runner to score from second base. Despite Johnson’s dominant performance, the 45s were unable to respond in the bottom of the ninth, with Johnny Weakley striking out to end the game. The broadcast is rich with period-specific advertising, including sponsorships from the American Tobacco Company (Pell-Mell cigarettes) and Pearl Brewing Company, and features commentary on player stats, team strategies, and fan engagement initiatives like a contest for a trip to the New York World’s Fair. The game is remembered as a landmark moment in baseball history for being the first time a pitcher lost a no-hitter in nine innings.
Ken Johnson pitched a no-hitter but lost the game 1-0 due to two defensive errors in the ninth inning.
This game is the first recorded instance of a pitcher losing a nine-inning no-hitter, a historic anomaly in baseball history.
The Colt 45s' offense was stifled by Joe Nuxhall's strong pitching, with only five hits and no runs scored.
Sponsorship ads for Pell-Mell cigarettes and Pearl Beer were woven throughout the broadcast, reflecting 1960s commercial culture.
The broadcast includes detailed player stats, managerial decisions, and fan engagement efforts like contests and scorebook promotions.
Game Introduction and Pre-Game Announcements
The broadcast opens with sponsor ads from American Tobacco Company (Pell-Mell cigarettes) and Pearl Brewing Company, followed by a preview of the game's significance as the Colt 45s' first homestand. The weather, starting lineups, and umpires are introduced, setting the stage for a tightly contested matchup.
First Inning: Johnson's Dominant Start
Ken Johnson begins with a strikeout of Pete Rose and forces two more outs without allowing a hit. Joe Nuxhall also pitches a clean first inning for the Reds, setting the tone for a pitching duel. The game remains scoreless after one inning.
Second and Third Innings: No Runs, No Hits
Both pitchers continue their dominance. Johnson strikes out three batters in the second inning, and Nuxhall matches him with a clean third. The game remains scoreless with only three hits total—two by the 45s and one by the Reds—highlighting the defensive and pitching excellence.
Fourth to Sixth Innings: Pitching Duel Intensifies
The game remains scoreless as both pitchers maintain their no-hit streaks. Johnson reaches nine strikeouts by the sixth inning, while Nuxhall holds Houston to just three hits. The broadcast includes promotional segments for the new Colt 45s scorebook and travel packages.
Seventh and Eighth Innings: The Turning Point
The 45s threaten in the seventh with runners on first and third, but a rare double play ends the rally. Johnson continues his no-hit streak through eight innings. In the eighth, Jimmy Wynn hits a double, but the offense stalls again, and Nuxhall strikes out the side.
“Ken Johnson pitched a no-hitter through nine innings, but the 45s trail on two ninth-inning errors. This is the first time in baseball history a pitcher has lost a nine-inning no-hitter.”
“Never in the history of baseball has a pitcher lost a nine-inning no-hitter. Cleveland in 1901. Leon Ames of New York in 1909. Tom Hughes of New York in 1910.”
“This one will go onto the record books. Here's the stretch now. Lillis takes the lead off first base. Here's that 3-2 pitch to Weakley. Ball strike three. The ballgame is over.”
Hosts
houston colt 45s
other
cincinnati reds
other
ken johnson
person
gene elston
person
joe nuxhall
person
lowell pass
person
pearl brewing company
organization
pearl beer
product
american tobacco company
organization
pell-mell cigarettes
product
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