Michael Wacha has no-hitter through 8 innings vs. Nationals

With eight innings in the books on Tuesday, St. Louis Cardinals rookie Michael Wacha still has a no-hitter going against the Washington Nationals.

Wacha is up to 99 pitches as he has struck out eight Nationals hitters. He has allowed two walks: one to Ryan Zimmerman in the seventh inning and one to Adam LaRoche in the eighth.

LaRoche led off the eighth frame with his walk, leading to concern that Wacha was fatiguing. However, LaRoche was wiped off the bases immediately when Wilson Ramos grounded into a double play. Shane Robinson then made a nice grab in the left field corner on a ball off the bat of Anthony Rendon to end the inning.

This would be the third no-hitter of 2013 after the Reds' Homer Bailey and the Giants' Tim Lincecum each held teams hitless in July.

Due up for the Nationals in the ninth inning is the pitcher's spot, followed by Denard Span and Zimmerman. The Cardinals currently hold a 2-0 lead.

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