DYK: Maeda’s astonishing MLB introduction

In the past century, no pitcher has started a career quite like the Dodgers’ Kenta Maeda.

Even Coors Field could not slow down the 28-year-old Japan native on Saturday night, as he took a no-hitter into the sixth and finished with 6 1/3 scoreless innings in a 4-1 win over the Rockies. Maeda allowed three singles and one walk while striking out a career-best eight and lowering his ERA to 0.36.

That performance made Maeda the first pitcher since at least 1913 to introduce himself to big league fans by allowing only one total run over his first four games, all as a starter. Just one other pitcher, the Indians’ Cody Anderson last year, had opened with four consecutive starts of at least six innings pitched and no more than one run allowed.

While Anderson gave up three runs total over that span, Maeda has surrendered only one, on a solo homer by the Giants’ Joe Panik last Sunday at Dodger Stadium. Through 25 1/3 innings, opponents have managed only 17 hits (three for extra bases) and five walks (one intentional) against Maeda, while striking out 23 times.

Here are some other facts and figures to know from Maeda’s sensational start:

• Only one other pitcher since 1913 has gone at least six scoreless innings in three of his …

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