Houston Astros Prospect Impresses, Throws Five No-Hit Innings in Win

Houston Astros pitching prospect JP France turned in another great outing Sunday in Oklahoma City, in the Sugar Land Space Cowboys' 6-3 victory over the Oklahoma City Dodgers Sunday. France tossed five no-hit, scoreless innings in his second start of the season.

Houston Astros pitching prospect JP France turned in another great outing Sunday in Oklahoma City, in the Sugar Land Space Cowboys' 6-3 victory over the Oklahoma City Dodgers Sunday.

France tossed five no-hit, scoreless innings in his second start of the season. France allowed just one runner to reach base, walking one, while striking out seven. France's day was done after five innings and 61 pitches.

France was optioned to Triple-A Sugar Land midway through spring training. Upon the conclusion of camp, he started the Space Cowboys' exhibition game against the Astros, allowing no runs on one hit and two walks over two innings, striking out Jeremy Pena, David Hensley and Jake Myers.

Through his first three appearances of the 2023 season — two starts and one relief appearance — France has 3.72 ERA over 9.2 innings pitched.

France, 28, has yet to make his Major League debut, but could be a key piece of the Astros' pitching staff later this season. Had it not been for the Astros' depth both at the Major League level and in their farm system, France may have made his Major League debut by now.

Since the Astros selected France out of Mississippi State University in the 14th round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft, the right-hander has worked his way up through the Astros' farm system. Now, France has just one more promotion to receive before he can take the mound at the Major League level.

France visited the Jack Vita Show in January to discuss the minor league grind, his love for hunting, and his hopes for the 2023 season.

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