Throwing a perfect game is one of the most rare single-game accomplishments in sport. It requires the pitcher to retire all 27 batters, without surrendering a walk, hit or having a fielder commit an error.
On this day in 2012, Seattle Mariners hurler Felix Hernandez managed to pull off the feat, recording just the 23rd perfect game in history in a 1-0 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays at Safeco Field.
Hernandez, as he’s so often been in his sparkling career, was dominant on the mound in the outing, recording 12 strikeouts and throwing 113 pitches over the nine innings.
Tampa Bay pitcher Jeremy Hellickson wasn’t much worse, but on run was all that was needed by Seattle’s offence.
Other memorable events on this day:
1950: Ezzard Charles TKOs Freddie Beshore for the heavyweight title.
1977: England regain the Ashes by taking a 3-0 series lead over Australia.
1981: American swimmer Robin Leamy sets a world record in the 50m in a time of 22.54 seconds.
2005: Phil Mickelson wins the 87th PGA Championship by shooting 276 at Baltusrol.
