Nashville Sounds pitcher Jharel Cotton came as close as a pitcher can come to immortality Tuesday night in Round Rock, Texas.
Acquired from the Dodgers in the August 1 trade that sent Josh Reddick and Rich Hill to Los Angeles, the A's pitching prospect was perfect through 8.2 innings Tuesday before giving up a triple to Round Rock Express second baseman Doug Bernier.
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Cotton was cruising along in the bottom of the ninth and struck out Kyle Kubitza for the second out of the inning, but the Rangers outfield prospect argued the call and was ejected by the home plate umpire. Kubitza argued and took his time leaving the field, causing a delay that lasted several minutes. Cotton was seen throwing warm-up pitches while he waited for Kubitza to leave.
[RELATED: Newly acquired Cotton could be option for A's rotation]
After Bernier's triple broke up the perfect game bid, Cotton struck out Round Rock right fielder Drew Robinson to complete the one-hit shutout. He finished with 12 strikeouts.
In 22 appearances for the Dodgers' Triple-A affiliate in Oklahoma City this season, Cotton posted a 4.90 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 97.1 innings.
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But in two outings with Triple-A Nashville since the trade, Cotton has allowed just one earned run and seven hits in 15 innings while striking out 17 batters.
Drafted in the 20th round of the 2012 MLB Draft out East Carolina by the Dodgers, the 24-year-old has yet to make his major league debut.
The A's also acquired pitching prospects Grant Holmes and Frankie Montas in the deal with the Dodgers.