Ex-MLB southpaw Thomas Pannone dominates for Nashville Sounds with 94-pitch Triple-A perfect game

Former Major‑League left‑hander Thomas Pannone delivered a moment that is rare even in the big‑league ranks, throwing a nine‑inning perfect game for the Nashville Sounds on Monday night. The 32‑year‑old retired every one of the 27 batters he faced, leading the Sounds to a 3‑0 victory over the Durham Bulls at the Sounds’ home ballpark.

Pannone’s command was almost flawless. He pitched on just 94 pitches, recording eight strikeouts, while surrendering no hits, no walks and no runs. The game’s only offensive action came in the early innings when the Bulls’ batters were held to a single run on a home run by one of Durham’s hitters.

The triumph was historic for the International League, the Triple‑A circuit in which both the Sounds and the Bulls compete. It was only the fifth solo perfect game in the league’s 142‑year history, and the first nine‑inning, single‑pitcher perfect game across all of Minor League Baseball since 2017.

Pannone’s performance was not without drama. In the bottom of the ninth, with the Sounds already ahead 3‑0, the Bulls’ 27th and final batter was on the plate. A single strikeout could have been enough, but Pannone needed a clean out. Facing a walk‑risk situation, he delivered consecutive strikes that kept the ball in the strike zone, ultimately striking out the final batter to seal the perfect game.

The left‑hander is no stranger to high‑stakes outings. In a 49‑game stretch with the Toronto Blue Jays from 2018 to 2019, Pannone carried a no‑hitter into the seventh inning during his MLB debut against the Baltimore Orioles. In 2019 he even pitched an immaculate inning, striking out the side on nine consecutive pitches against the Tampa Bay Rays.

Pannone’s journey through professional baseball has been that of a journeyman. After leaving the Blue Jays in 2020, he worked his way through the Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Angels, and New York Yankees’ minor‑league systems, and even pitched in South Korea’s Baseball Organization. Earlier this summer, he earned a spot start for the Milwaukee Brewers, marking his first appearance in Major League Baseball in three years. After the MLB outing, he returned to Triple‑A to continue his pursuit of a long‑term role in the majors.

For Maine baseball fans, Pannone’s story is a reminder of the resilience required to stay competitive at the professional level. Whether on the mound in Nashville, in the Korean league, or in Milwaukee’s bullpen, the pitcher has consistently shown that he can perform under pressure.

The Sounds’ manager praised Pannone’s composure and control. “He was in full command for the whole game,” said the manager. “You have to stay focused for all 27 batters, and he did that with a calm demeanor.”

The victory also marked a milestone for the Nashville franchise, adding another highlight to a season that has seen a mixture of veteran talent and emerging prospects. The bullpen secured the win with a solid closing performance, preserving the shutout and ensuring the perfect game went all the way.

While Pannone’s perfect game is a personal milestone, it also shines a spotlight on the International League’s capacity for historic moments. Fans of the league can take pride in the fact that this level of performance remains possible, even in an era where the game is often defined by power hitters and high‑velocity pitching.

The event has already sparked conversation among baseball analysts and fans alike. Some speculate whether a pitcher of Pannone’s experience and recent MLB exposure could secure a permanent spot on a major‑league roster in the coming seasons. Others note that his ability to keep the ball in the zone and deliver under pressure could translate well to the highest level.

As the baseball season continues, the Nashville Sounds will be looking to build on this momentum. For Pannone, the perfect game is a testament to his continued skill and perseverance, and a reminder that even after years of traveling through different teams and leagues, excellence is still within reach.

In the grand tapestry of Minor League Baseball, Thomas Pannone’s perfect game will be remembered as a shining example of what a determined pitcher can achieve, no matter how many stops lie between the ballpark and the big leagues.