(CNN) — Dominican Domingo Germán, of the New York Yankees, entered the record books this Wednesday by pitching the first perfect game in the major leagues in nearly 11 years.
Germán, 30, did not allow any runners on base in any way, including hitting, walking or hitting a batter, as he pitched all nine innings in the Yankees’ 11-0 win over the Oakland A’s. this wednesday.
It was the 24th perfect game in major league history, and the first since Seattle Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández pitched against the Tampa Bay Rays on August 15, 2012.
After retiring Oakland hitters Aledmy Díaz and Shea Langeliers in the ninth inning, Germán got Esteury Ruiz to hit third baseman Josh Donaldson, who threw to first base to seal the historic win.
Germán, who struck out nine of 27 retired batters, threw up his arms in celebration before his teammates flocked to hug him.
“It’s so exciting,” Germán said after the feat, speaking to Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network through a translator. “When you think of something truly unique about baseball, you know that not many people have the ability to pitch a perfect game.
“Achieving something like this in my career is something I will always remember, it will be part of history.”
He Dominican Origin Law he is the first Yankees pitcher since David Cone – on July 18, 1999 – to pitch a perfect game and fourth overall in franchise history. David Wells (1998) and Don Larsen (1956 World Series) are the other two.
Germán is the first pitcher from the Dominican Republic to throw a perfect game. The player cited the death of a family member a few days ago as the inspiration for his historic performance.
“Unfortunately, an uncle of mine died two days ago, and yesterday I cried a lot at the club. I had him with me throughout the match. I was thinking about him and it happened,” said Germán.
“This match is a tribute to him. He would have been very happy. He has always been one who has brought joy to our family and it happened so that he could see it like this, from up there.”
Prior to Wednesday’s start, Germán had struggled with pitching in his previous two outings, allowing 17 runs in 5 1/3 innings.
In May, the 30-year-old was suspended 10 games by MLB for violating foreign substance regulations after he was ejected from a game against the Toronto Blue Jays for using an illegal sticky substance.
“I’m happy for Sunday [Germán]Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka said. I always thought that of all people he was the one with the best chance of doing something like this, and that everything went well tonight is incredible.”
