I’d like to start with an apology.

Earlier today, Yu Darvish took a no hitter into the eighth inning against the Houston Astros. I was listening to the game on the radio. I was in between projects and had some time to kill, so I began crafting an email to the newsroom.

“Scaia,” I wrote. “Will get fan reaction if Yu Darvish gets it do–”

Just as I was writing the word “done,” the Astros’ Carlos Corcoran (“The Astros’ Most Recognizable Player, For All Anyone Knows”) launched a home run to right field.

I chose the phrase “gets it done” specifically to avoid any potential jinx, but I’m no fool. I had a hand in this. I don’t want to sound narcissistic, but I think we can all agree Carlos Corcoran would never have hit that home run without me getting involved.

I know what you’re thinking.

“That’s just like someone in the media. You just say whatever you want with no regard for jinxes. Or curses. Or spells. Or hexes, for that matter. Also, the media’s lack of coverage of alchemy, wizardry and sorcery is, frankly, appalling.”

Listen, I had as much riding on this Yu Darvish start as anyone. Earlier this year, I traded Gio Gonzalez and Cole Hamels for Yu Darvish in my fantasy league. Right after that, Darvish gave up five runs to Houston and then went on the disabled list.

I was convinced my friend (and co-worker until he took a job in Kentucky last month), Emil, had fleeced me.

Right after that, I lost to the guy in last place and almost lost my hold on the last playoff spot in the league. The situation was dire.

Let this be a lesson to always look at the big picture. Darvish has now delivered me and, to a lesser extent, the Rangers five straight quality starts. And he did it the very week I faced Emil in the league!

No hitter or not, I’ve come out on the right end of this trade: I’ve got Yu Darvish and Emil has to live in Kentucky! Similarly, despite my blunder, the Rangers come out of this latest series with an eight game winning streak and sole possession of first place. Plus, they have six more games against Houston this year.

When Darvish lost that perfect game against Houston on the second day of the season, I read a lot of facebook posts about how sad it was to get this close and not finish the deal. I went on record then, saying, “People, the Rangers play Houston 19 times this year. How many of those are going to be no hitters? Like, six no hitters?”

There’s still time. And next time I won’t start writing an email until the final out.