7,920.
That’s how many games the Chicago Cubs had played since last being no-hit by legendary Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Sandy Koufax, who tossed a perfect game against the Cubs on Sept. 9, 1965. The streak was the longest in baseball history, spanning nearly 50 years.
Cole Hamels changed that Saturday.
The Philadelphia Phillies’ left-handed ace pitched a gem of his own at Wrigley Field on Saturday, striking out 13 Cubs en route to his first career no-hitter. The performance could be Hamels’ final appearance in a Phillies uniform, as Philadelphia is expected to trade the southpaw by next Friday’s non-waiver trade deadline.
As with any no-hitter, Hamels’ didn’t come without drama. Kris Bryant, Chicago’s star rookie third baseman, drove the final pitch of the game to the center field warning track. Phillies center fielder Odubel Herrera seemed to lose the ball in the sun before diving forward at the last second to make the catch.
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Incredible.
Arguably cooler? This fun fact:
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Any time you can share an accomplishment with someone named “Old Ross,” you win.
It also was a big day for Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, who caught his fourth no-hitter.
Hamels is the third pitcher to throw a no-no in the majors this season, following Max Scherzer (Washington Nationals) and Chris Heston (San Francisco Giants).
Thumbnail photo via Caylor Arnold/USA TODAY Sports Images
