SF Giants’ Snell earns MLB honor with his no-hitter

Blake Snell has struck out 26 batters over his past two starts.

Blake Snell has been dominant since coming back from the injured list, and MLB has noticed.

The Giants lefthander was named National League player of the week on Monday after throwing a no-hitter Friday against the Reds.

Snell went the distance on Friday in Cincinnati, out 11 and walking just three as he became the first San Francisco pitcher to throw a no-no since Chris Heston on June 9, 2015.

It was the 18th no-hitter in Giants history, and the first time Snell had pitched into the ninth inning in his career. 

In his previous start, Snell struck out 15 against Colorado, helping him fan at least 10 batters in back-to-back games for the first time since he did it in four consecutive starts last season.

Even though it was the first time Snell has been named player of the week, the Giants are no stranger to this honor. 

Even though Snell is the first Giants pitcher to win the award since Jeff Samardzija in September 2017; current teammate Luis Matos won the award on May 20 for his hot hitting. 

In five starts since returning from the IL in July, Snell has allowed just two earned runs in 33 innings.