Verlander joins elite group with third career no-hitter

Justin Verlander pitched the third no-hitter of his career on Sunday, leading the Houston Astros to a 2-0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.

Verlander (17-5) struck out 14 batters, a crowning achievement in a dominant season. He is the sixth pitcher in Major League Baseball history to throw three or more career no-hitters, The Associated Press reports. The others include legendary pitchers Sandy Koufax, Cy Young, and Nolan Ryan, who holds the record with seven no-hitters.

Verlander said he was "definitely aware" that he was making history. "It means a lot," Verlander said. "I'd be lying if I said I didn't know that. I've come so close. Since I've had two, I think I've blown two in the ninth and another couple in the eighth."

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