Justin Martinez Achieves Immaculate Inning for D-backs Against Rangers

In a remarkable display of pitching, Arizona Diamondbacks reliever Justin Martinez accomplished an immaculate inning during a game against the Texas Rangers. This rare achievement, which involves striking out three batters on just nine pitches, took place in the sixth inning and featured six pitches clocked at over 100 mph.

Martinez's feat is notable as there have only been 123 immaculate innings recorded in Major League Baseball history, making it a rarer accomplishment than a no-hitter. However, the frequency of such innings has increased in recent years as pitchers have ramped up their velocity and teams have shifted away from complete games.

This marks the second immaculate inning for the Diamondbacks this season, with the first being thrown by Michael Soroka on March 30 against the Detroit Tigers. Across the league, there have been four immaculate innings this season, including those by Gavin Williams of the Cleveland Guardians and Taj Bradley of the Minnesota Twins.

Martinez, who is in his fourth season with the Diamondbacks, recently returned from Tommy John surgery and has been impressive since his comeback. In his last eight appearances, he has not allowed a run, striking out 11 batters and giving up just two hits over 7 2/3 innings.