Soon after his promotion to the Cardinals rotation in June 2001, Smith's short career arc reached its acme when he no-hit the San Diego Padres on September 3. With a fastball that barely reached 90 MPH, he depended on laser-like accuracy and above-average curves and changeups to outwit opposing hitters. Major-league pundits were stunned at the rookie's masterwork, but Smith was no stranger to near-perfection, having spun one no-hitter in high school and two more in Double-A. He pitched well all season, stringing together ten quality starts of five innings or more against only two three-inning disasters.
(EPW)
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FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY
»September 3, 2001: Cardinals P Bud Smith becomes the 16th rookie in history to hurl a no–hit game, stifling the Padres by a count of 4–0. Smith fans seven in his gem in his 11th ML start. Smith threw a pair in the minors within a month last year.
»October 13, 2001:
The Cardinals defeat the Diamondbacks, 4-1, behind rookie P Bud Smith to even their Division Series at two games apiece. Fernando Vina hits a 2-run home run for St. Louis.
»July 29, 2002: The Phillies send soon–to–be free agent All–Star 3B Scott Rolen to the Cardinals in exchange for 3B Placido Polanco, and pitchers Bud Smith and Mike Timlin. Rolen will re–up with the Cards.
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