Bruce Hurst knows a thing or two about close calls.
Infamously, he was prematurely named the MVP of the 1986 World Series before a dribbler scooted between Bill Buckner’s legs, triggering yet another Red Sox travesty. The disappointment in San Diego didn’t quite reach that level but the left-hander twice came as close as any Padre to throwing the franchise’s elusive first no-hitter.
The second effort was on this date — May 18 — in 1992.
A 34-year-old Hurst outdueled the Mets’ Dwight Gooden in a 3-0 win at Jack Murphy Stadium, striking out seven, walking two and allowing only a sixth-inning, infield single to Chico Walker.