M’s nearly no-hit, blanked by Astros

SEATTLE (AP) — Zack Greinke still believes there would be some hassle if the day ever comes he throws a no-hitter.

But he wants one, especially after coming agonizingly close to the first of his career.

“There is some hassle to it, but I think I would have liked to have done it,” Greinke said.

Greinke came within two outs of pitching the third no-hitter by the Houston Astros this year, losing his bid on a single by Seattle rookie Austin Nola in the ninth inning of a 3-0 win over the Mariners on Wednesday night.

Greinke (18-5) was in complete control in his closet attempt ever for a no-hitter, only to see the bid ended two outs short of making history.

Earlier this season Greinke had a no-hit bid earlier this season against Washington broken up in the seventh inning. After that no-no disappeared, Greinke said, “I don’t really think about (no-hitters) that much. I just assume I’ll never throw one.”

RHP Felix Hernandez (1-7, 6.51 ERA) will make likely his final start for the Mariners after 15 seasons in Seattle.