In making the 2026 Memorial Day holiday a memorable one, the Houston Astros put together an historic performance in a win over their in-state rival, the Texas Rangers, on Monday night. 

While enjoying more run support than even necessary, the Astros took the first game of a series with the Rangers 9-0. 

But only one run was actually needed due to the total effort of dominance on the mound by three Astros pitchers. 

Three Astros pitchers combined to throw MLB's 22nd combined no-hitter

Starter Tatsuya Imai and relievers Steven Okert and Alimber Santa worked together to throw the 22nd combined no-hitter in MLB history, and the first since September 9, 2024, when three Chicago Cubs' pitchers mowed down the Pittsburgh Pirates. 

Starter Tatsuya Imai went six hitless innings despite walking four batters

Doing enough to win all on his own, Imai pitched six scoreless innings, allowing no hits with four walks. He only recorded a pair of strikeouts, but relied on properly targeting his pitches and stellar defense behind him to avoid giving up a hit.

After Imai exited the game, the Astros handed the ball to Okert for an inning, as he only let one runner on base via a walk and fanned one batter. 

Houston's bullpen held serve with a dominant showing in the final innings

It was then up to Santa to finish the job. He logged two innings, shutting the door on Texas and without letting anyone reach base at all. 

In earning the win, Imai is now 2-2 in six starts, yet only brought his season ERA down to 6.17. 

The historic night may just count as one win, but it shows the depth of a Houston staff that's an endured a rough start to the year, which has resulted in a 24-31 record and placement towards the basement of the American League West - the Astros sit in fourth behind the Athletics, Seattle Mariners and the Rangers, the team they defeated for their most recent victory.