Hamels gets his first no-hitter
Phillies pitcher, long mentioned in trade talks, throws a gem against Cubs.
Philadelphia ace Cole Hamels, mentioned prominently in trade talks, throws the first no-no against the Cubs since 1965.
CHICAGO — Cole Hamels struck out 13 in baseball’s third no-hitter of the season, leading Philadelphia to a 5-0 victory over the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field on Saturday in what might be his final start for the Phillies. The 2008 World Series most valuable player has been mentioned prominently in trade talks as the July 31 deadline approaches.
“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) was in control right from the start against the contending Cubs, and then got some help from rookie center fielder Odubel Herrera in the final two innings. It was the fourth no-hitter for catcher Carlos Ruiz, including the playoffs, according to STATS — tops in NL history and tied with Jason Varitek for the major league record.
“I was thinking about one inning at a time,” Ruiz said. “That’s what I was thinking — something special could happen today.”
It was the 13th no-hitter for the Phillies, who have the majors’ worst record and could rebuild their farm system with a big haul from a Hamels deal. The 31-year-old left-hander also was part of Philadelphia’s previous nohitter, teaming with three relievers for another gem last Sept. 1 at Atlanta.
Since 1900, only two pitchers have thrown a nohitter and then been traded in the same season: Cliff Chambers from Pittsburgh to St. Louis in 1951, and Edwin Jackson from Tampa Bay to the White Sox in 2010.
“Today was vintage Cole Hamels,” Phillies Manager Pete Mackanin said.
It was the first no-hitter against Chicago since Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game at Dodger Stadium in 1965. Dexter Fowler walked twice, but he was the only baserunner for the Cubs.
Hamels “definitely increased his value, I would imagine,” Cubs Manager Joe Maddon said. “You’re going to get that higher-tier prospect because of that performance today.”
Before Saturday’s outing, the usually dependable Hamels had given up 14 runs and 20 hits over 61⁄3 innings in his previous two starts. He hadn’t won since May 23.
Ryan Howard hit a threerun homer off Jake Arrieta (11-6) in the third inning, but Herrera had the two biggest plays.
With one out in the eighth, he ran a long way into the gap in left-center to grab David Ross’ fly ball and then tumbled on the warning track. Cubs rookie Kris Bryant launched a long fly with two outs in the ninth, but Herrera raced back and managed to lean forward for the catch after slipping on the track in front of the ivycovered brick wall.
“It feels awesome. I feel proud to be part of it,” Herrera said through an interpreter.