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Dominican Domingo Germán of the New York Yankees pitches the 24th perfect game in MLB history
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Dominican Domingo Germán of the New York Yankees pitches the 24th perfect game in MLB history

(CNN) — Dominican Domingo Germán, of the New York Yankees, entered the record books on Wednesday by throwing the first perfect game in the major leagues in nearly 11 years.

Germán, 30, did not allow any runners on base by any means — including via hit, walk or hitting a batter — while pitching all nine innings of the Yankees’ 11-0 victory against the Oakland A’s on Wednesday.

It was the 24th perfect game in major league history, and the first since Seattle Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández threw one against the Tampa Bay Rays on Aug. 15, 2012.

After striking out Oakland hitters Aledmy Díaz and Shea Langeliers in the ninth inning, Germán grounded Esteury Ruiz against third baseman Josh Donaldson, who threw to first base to seal the historic win.

Germán, who struck out nine of the 27 batters he struck out, raised his arms in celebration before his teammates rushed in to hug him.

“It’s so exciting,” Germán said after the feat, speaking to Yankee Entertainment and Sports Network through a translator. “When you think of something very unique in baseball, you know that not many people have the chance to pitch a perfect game.

“To achieve something like this in my career is something I will remember forever, be part of history.”

The Dominican-born right-hander is the first Yankees pitcher since David Cone — July 18, 1999 — to throw a perfect game and fourth overall in franchise history. David Wells (1998) and Don Larsen (1956 World Series) are the other two.

Germán is the first pitcher from the Dominican Republic to pitch a perfect game. The player cited the death of a family member days ago as the inspiration for his historic performance.

“Unfortunately, two days ago one of my uncles passed away, and yesterday I cried a lot at the club. I had him with me throughout the game. I was thinking about him and it happened,” German said.

“This game is a tribute to him. He would have been very happy. He was always someone who brought joy to our family and it happened so he could see it that way, from there- high.”

Prior to the start of this Wednesday, Germán had struggled with his pitch in his two previous outings, allowing 17 runs in 5 1/3 innings.

In May, the 30-year-old was suspended 10 games by MLB for violating foreign substance regulations after being ejected from a game against the Toronto Blue Jays for using an illegal sticky substance.

“I’m happy for Sunday [Germán]Yankees wide receiver Kyle Higashioka said. “He’s had a few tough outings and he’s been dragging a bit, he did it for himself and to come back to himself. I always thought that of all of them, he’s the most likely to do something like this, and that everything went well tonight, it’s unbelievable.”