Giants' Sanchez pitches no-hitter

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - San Francisco left-hander Jonathan Sanchez pitched Major League Baseball's first 'no-hitter' of the season to lead the Giants to an 8-0 victory over the San Diego Padres Friday.

Sanchez struck out Everth Cabrera for the final out of the game before being mobbed by his team mates as he became the first Giant to pitch a no-hitter since John Montefusco in 1976.

"I didn't think I was going to be out there for very long," Sanchez, who has struggled as of late, told reporters. "I feel awesome."

Sanchez, taking the mound in place of the injured Randy Johnson, was making his first start since June 22 after the 26-year-old was demoted to the bullpen.

He made the most of his opportunity, striking out 11 batters in his first complete game. Just one Padres batter reached base on an error by third baseman Juan Uribe in the eighth inning.

"That's part of the game, I just had to keep pitching and forget about that," said Sanchez, whose father flew in from Puerto Rico to watch him pitch for the first time in the Major Leagues. "I'm so proud that he was here with me."

San Diego nearly broke the no-hitter in the ninth inning when Edgar Gonzalez blasted a pitch to the outfield but San Francisco center fielder Aaron Rowand made a leaping catch and slammed into the wall.

"It was close to going over," Rowand said. "I haven't seen the replay. It had to be at the top of the fence."

Sanchez closed out the contest in style, completing a surprising performance for a pitcher who has had trouble finding consistency.

"If you look at this staff he wouldn't be the one you'd pick (to throw a no-hitter)," said Giants manager Bruce Bochy. "(But) he's always had the equipment."

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Peter Rutherford; To query or comment on this story email sportsfeedback@thomsonreuters.com)