HOUSTON -On Friday, the A’s face the reigning major-league champs for the first time. And Sean Manaea gets a crack at becoming a modern-day Johnny Vander Meer.
Vander Meer, of course, is the only man in history to throw back-to-back no-hitters, and at least briefly, every pitcher who throws one can dream he’ll equal the feat that 1938 feat. However, there’s often something of a letdown the next time out - the sheer amount of hoopla after throwing a no-hitter can throw a starter off.
“It’s a whirlwind, no doubt, up until the next start,” said team broadcaster Dallas Braden, whose Mother’s Day perfect game in 2010 was the A’s last no-hitter before Manaea’s on Saturday against Boston.