a prediction or two

Roy Oswalt twirled his second career one-hitter on Thursday night, beating Pittsburgh 2-0. The former Weir High and Holmes Community College star was a part of one of the oddest no-hitters in history — when six Houston pitchers combined to no-hit the New York Yankees in 2003 — but has never tossed one of his very own. In a season when no-no’s seem to be practically falling off trees, here’s a bold prediction: Oswalt will get one this summer. If his body is sound, as it appears to be, he’s got nasty, no-hit caliber stuff. It’s noteworthy that no Mississippi native has thrown a solo no-hitter in the big leagues. Another prediction, less bold: When Oswalt gets the no-no, it’ll be for a team other than the Astros. Though the trade rumors have cooled a bit lately, it’s still a safe bet Oswalt will be dealt before the July 31 deadline. And he’ll be pumped to be working for a team in a pennant race.