Rangers starter Yu Darvish came within one out of throwing the 24th perfect game in the history of major-league baseball on Tuesday night against the Astros.

The right-hander struck out nine over the first four innings -- including striking out the side in the second and fourth -- and entered the ninth having yet to allow a baserunner. He was able to retire the first two batters quickly in the frame but Marwin Gonzalez hit a line-drive single back through the box, ending the perfect game bid.

Darvish was then pulled for Michael Kirkman, who secured a 7-0 win.

Darvish ended up striking out a career-high 14 batters while surrendering the lone hit over 8 2/3 innings. He also threw 111 pitches, 78 for strikes, while earning his first win of the season.

The last Texas pitcher to strike out at least 14 was Nolan Ryan on July 7, 1991 against the Angels.