Long Island Pitcher’s MLB Comeback Overshadowed By No-Hitter

WEST ISLIP, NY — In his first MLB appearance this year, West Islip native Nick Tropeano made quite the comeback, pitching four innings of shutout ball for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Tropeano came in Tuesday to relieve fellow pitcher Steven Brault and gave up just three hits while striking out four batters.

The 29-year-old Stony Brook graduate's debut was highlighted by a strikeout of Tim Anderson in the bottom of the 4th inning.

Tropeano attended West Islip High School and was drafted by the Houston Astros in the fifth round in 2011. He made his MLB debut three years later.

Tropeano has battled injuries throughout his career, including undergoing Tommy John Surgery. He also missed time during the 2018 season battling shoulder injuries. Tuesday was his first appearance since last season, when he appeared in just three games for the Angels.

But as impressive as Tropeano's journey back and outing were, all eyes were on opposing White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito.

Giolito dazzled, striking out 13 Pirates on his way to tossing the first no-hitter of the truncated — and delayed — 2020 season.

Lucas Giolito threw his first career no-hitter last night, the 19th in White Sox history! He recorded the most strikeouts in a no-hitter in franchise history, surpassing the previous record set by Philip Humber in 2012 (9). pic.twitter.com/J70lAxPI5T
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) August 26, 2020