On Friday, Rick Porcello dominated the New York Yankees, allowing only a solo home run in the third inning before retiring the next 21 consecutive batters. In retrospect, that hit would be the only knock costing the Boston Red Sox right-hander a chance at a no-hitter, while simultaneously costing patrons of a Massachusetts furniture joint a chance at a hefty rebate.
Prior to the season, Jordan's Furniture, a New England furniture and mattress retailer, launched a promotion in conjunction with the Red Sox that promised customers full refunds on purchases made between March 28 and May 20 if a Boston pitcher tossed a regular-season no-no anytime after July 17. Combined no-hitters were also included.
Eliot Tatelman, a Jordan's Furniture representative, told Steven Burton of WBZ that Friday's gem would have meant "free furniture to 45,000 families." The refunds would have cost the company $100 million.
Miguel Andujar led off the third inning with a home run off of an 0-1 changeup from Porcello, the only blemish that broke up a 27-up, 27-down stretch which began after Brett Gardner was hit by a pitch to start the game.
Jon Lester was the last pitcher to throw a no-hitter for the Red Sox back in May 2008.
