Players mob pitcher Jonathan Sanchez after completion of his no-hitter. Flickr photo by David Gallagher

The Giants’ Jonathan Sanchez, a 27-year-old left-hander who had recently been demoted to the bullpen, threw a no-hitter tonight in a 8-0 win over the visiting San Diego Padres.

Sanchez was perfect into the 8th inning before third baseman Juan Uribe booted a ground ball. Ignoring the anomaly, Sanchez pitched a perfect 9th, assisted by a stunning play against the center field fence by Aaron Rowand for the second out. (See video of the catch.) Sanchez tossed his 11th stikeout of the game for the third out of the 9th. Box score.

Catching was backup receiver Eli Whiteside, a 29-year-old rookie who was in the game because regular catcher Benjie Molina was at the side of his wife, who was giving birth.

The Giants’ offense was led by fan favorite Pablo Sandoval, whose three-run home run in the 5th was hit to the deepest part of the right-center field arcade.

Sanchez, who was demoted to the bullpen two weeks ago after a 2-8 start to the season, made the start only as a replacement for injured pitcher Randy Johnson.