(Getty)
Thanks to a highlight reel diving save, from Nationals Outfielder Steven Souza Jr., Nats pitcher Jordan Zimmerman threw the team’s first no hitter.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. He Saved the First No Hitter in Nationals History
Souza, 25 and a defensive replacement, was able to secure Jordan Zimmerman’s first no hitter for the Washington Nationals in the team’s history.
Souza, who took over for Ryan Zimmerman in the 9th inning for the Nationals vs. Marlins, was able to make a spectacular, diving save, allowing the Nationals to win 1-0 over the Marlins.
Souza has switched between playing in the majors and minor league throughout the 2014 season.
2. Souza Was Drafted by the Nationals in 2007
(Twitter)
Souza was a third round draft for the Nationals, out of Cascade High School in Everette, Washington. He was signed for $346,000.
3. He Received a 50 Game Ban in 2010
Souza received a 50 game suspensions in 2010, along with a teammate, after testing positive for Methylphenidate and Ritalinic Acid, PEDs that violated the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
At the time of his suspension, Souza was batting .231 with 11 homers, 56 RBIs and 18 stolen bases in 81 games. Souza was playing for the Class A Hagerstown Suns.
4. Souza Is The International League 2014 MVP
This year alone, Souza won the Baseball America Minor League All Star award, International League MVP and Rookie of the Year, and the International League Post-Season and Mid-Season All Star award, all while splitting time between the majors and the minor leagues.
Souza also lead the International League in batting average with .354, on-base percentage at .435 and slugging percentage with .601.
He won the International League MVP this year by hitting .350, .432, and .590 with 18 homers in 96 games.
5. He’s Only Played in 21 Major League Games This Season
Proud to be apart of this team and lucky to have watched it. Had a blast celebrating tonight! pic.twitter.com/QLcDPtVbl9
— Steven Souza Jr. (@StevenSouzaJR) September 17, 2014
Souza’s stats for 2014 look like this:
And here are his career statistics:
(MLB)