Phillies’ Cole Hamels no-nos Cubbies at Wrigley Field
CHICAGO— Cole Hamels is facing a quick trip from the record book to the trading block.
The Philadelphia ace became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs in 50 years, watching as rookie centre fielder Odubel Herrera stumbled on the warning track before catching a flyball to end the Phillies’ 5-0 win Saturday.
“It’s something where you just go out there and enjoy the moment,” Hamels said. “What I want is to be successful at it. I enjoyed the moment, and this happened.”
Hamels (6-7) struck out 13, tossing his first career no-hitter in what could be his final start for the Phillies.
The 2008 World Series MVP has been mentioned prominently in trade talks as the July 31 deadline approaches.
It was the first no-hitter versus the Cubs since Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game in 1965.
The 31-year-old Hamels was part of the Phillies’ last no-hitter, too. The lanky left-hander teamed with three relievers on a combined no-no last Sept. 1 at Atlanta.
This time, Hamels saw Herrera make two tumbling grabs to preserve the gem.
With one out in the eighth, Herrera ran a long way into the left-centre field gap to grab David Ross’ fly and then spilled onto the warning track.
With two outs in the ninth, rookie Kris Bryant launched a long fly. Herrera raced back, slipped on the track in front of the ivy-covered brick wall, but managed to lean forward for the catch.
“I hung that pitch to Bryant with his power, fortunately the wind was in my favour,” Hamels said. “Herrera made two spectacular catches out there. That picked the team up and it’s great to see.”