Renner Rivero had a night to remember on Monday.
The Cocodrilos Matanzas righty fired a no-hitter against the Vegueros de Pinar del Rio, issuing just one walk while striking out ten batters in the 6-0 victory just four days after turning 27 years old. His outing was actually not considered a potential no-hitter until late in the game; a hit in the second inning was changed to an error six innings later, suddenly leaving Rivero three outs away from history.
Renner Rivero carves name into CNS history books
Although Cuba does not have the same level of pitching they did in the past, Rivero has been a solid arm. He has a respectable three pitch arsenal with a low 90s fastball that can tough 94 MPH, a low 80s slider, and a low to mid 80s changeup. While his command can come and go, he has displayed the potential to dominate when his control is on.
Such was the case on Monday. Rivero’s gem was the sixth no-hitter in Matanzas history and the first since Jorge Martinez fired his gem in 2009. This was also the 64th no-hitter in the storied history of the Cuban National Series and the second one thrown this season. Goenel Gutierrez had fired a five inning perfect game back on April 17.
Rivero is not likely to be coming stateside any time soon. He would need to defect from Cuba, establish residency elsewhere, and be declared a free agent by Major League Baseball. That process can take years. As Rivero does not have premium velocity or the best stuff, he may not attract much attention. However, he still made history on Monday night. No one can take that outing away from him.
Renner Rivero carved his name into the CNS history books on Monday. The 27 year old righty fired a no-hitter for the Cocodrilos Matanzas.
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