Noah Cameron Flirts With No-Hitter in Royals Debut

It was a dream debut for Kansas City local Noah Cameron.

The No. 5 top prospect for the Royals threw a stunning game, flirting with a no-hitter into the seventh inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at George M. Steinbrenner Field. The Royals eventually won the contest by a score of 3-0.

The left-hander tossed 6.1 scoreless innings, allowing one hit, five walks, and striking out three on 79 pitches. The 25-year-old was supported by some incredible defensive plays from the likes of Hunter Renfroe, Maikel Garcia, and Bobby Witt Jr. It makes him the 14th pitcher since 1901 to throw at least 6.1 scoreless innings with one or fewer hits in a debut.

He threw a five-pitch mix, which included a nasty slider and a 92-93 mph fastball which the Rays struggled to deal with. Before his call-up, he was pitching for the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers, posting a 3.22 ERA over 22.1 innings in five starts and a 1.21 WHIP.

The euphoria seemed to be short-lived. One day later, on May 1st, the Royals designated him for assignment (DFA’d) back to Triple-A Omaha, likely to clear a roster spot for ace Cole Ragans who is now nearing a return from a groin strain.

The Royals have stumbled at the start of the season, but are now beginning to find their stride. Cameron’s gem capped a three-game win streak, and they have now won 8 out of their last 10 games. They are now over .500 and are 3 games behind the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers

Cameron was born in St. Joseph, Missouri — about 60 miles north of Kauffman Stadium. He grew up a Royals fan, and his family traveled 1,300 miles to witness his big night.

Make no mistake, we haven’t seen the last of Noah Cameron.