West Orange alum takes no-hitter into 7th inning in first MLB start | Observer Preps

Since he was first called up to "The Show" by the St. Louis Cardinals April 29, West Orange alum Austin Gomber has been on a roller coaster, being sent back down to Triple-A Memphis twice in that time.

The former Warrior was recalled once again by the Cardinals over the weekend and penciled in for his first Big League start July 24 against the Cincinnati Reds — his prior appearances for St. Louis had been as a reliever.

What a start it was, too.

Gomber no-hit the host Reds for six innings.

Then, as he was warming up before the bottom-half of the seventh inning, a fire alarm was pulled at Great American Ball Park. As reported by MLB.com, a seven minute, 30 second delay ensued.

Upon the resumption of play, Gomber retired the first batter he faced, but gave up a hit to Joey Votto, ending the bid for the no-hitter. A game-tying home run followed, and with that Gomber also was no longer in line for the win. The Cardinals did end up winning the game, though, 4-2.

Afterward, interim St. Louis manager Mike Shildt referenced the "odd timing" for the fire alarm to be pulled to reporters but Gomber did not blame the delay for the hit and the home run that followed it.

"I'm not going to blame giving up a home run on a delay," Gomber said, according to MLB.com.

The final line for Gomber's first MLB start was 6.1 innings, two hits, two earned runs and six strikeouts. On the season at the Big League level, Gomber has a 3.48 ERA over 20.2 innings.