Morris Retires Final 25 Royals, Faces Minimum in One-Hitter

Nobody pitched a no-hitter in the majors Friday night, but Jack Morris of the Detroit Tigers was almost perfect.

The veteran right-hander gave up a single to Kurt Stillwell, the second Kansas City batter. George Brett hit into a double play on the next pitch and Morris retired the rest of the Royals, facing the minimum 27 batters in a one-hit, 4-0 victory at Detroit.

Stillwell’s bouncing ball up the middle that barely made it through the infield was the only ball close to a hit. Morris (8-9) struck out six.

Cecil Fielder, the major league home run leader, gave Morris all the support he needed when he hit his 28th home run in the fourth.

Morris, one of baseball’s top pitchers for more than a decade, had shoulder problems last year. He went on the disabled list for the first time and wound up with a 6-14 record.

He wasn’t much better at the start of this season, going 2-7. He had one spell in which he lost six games in a row and was winless in eight starts.

“This is the best I’ve pitched in two years,” Morris said. “In the last few games I feel that I have come a long way. But this really makes me believe I’m back. Once again I have control.”