Angels' Santana tosses no-hitter against Indians

Los Angeles Angels pitcher Ervin Santana pitched the third no-hitter of the Major League Baseball (MLB) season when he collected 10 strikeouts in a 3-1 victory over the Cleveland Indians on Wednesday.

Santana raised his arms to the air and was mobbed near the mound by team mates after he got Michael Brantley to fly out to center field for the game's final out.

The 28-year-old native of the Dominican Republic said it was special to record the no-hitter against a team that had caused him fits throughout his career.

"I never got a win against this team. I just have to enjoy it." Santana, who made his major-league debut against Cleveland in 2005, said after collecting his first win over the Indians in 10 career starts.

It was the first no-hitter of Santana's seven-year career in MLB and the team's first solo no-hitter since 1984.

Santana nearly had his no-hit bid spoiled when rookie Jason Kipnis stepped up to the plate to start the sixth inning.

Kipnis hit a grounder by Santana but Angels second baseman Howie Kendricks made a diving backhand grab before throwing the runner out on a close play at first base.

After striking out the side in the eighth inning, Santana wasted little time when he went to the mound in the bottom of the ninth, striking out Travis Buck and getting Ezequial Carrera to ground out before retiring Brantley.

Santana allowed two baserunners during the game. The first came on an error charged to shortstop Erick Aybar, which turned into a run after a wild pitch. Santana also walked a batter in the eighth inning.

The Angels had not had a no-hitter since Mark Langston and Mike Witt combined to hold Seattle hitless in 1990. The team's last solo no-hitter came on Witt's perfect game in 1984.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Francisco Liriano tossed the first no-hitter of the 2011 season in May and was followed four days later by Detroit Tigers ace Justion Verlander.