BREAKING: Chris Rusin tosses no-hitter for Triple-A Iowa

Sep 18, 2013; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Cubs pitcher

pitches in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Rusin may have had something to prove coming out of Spring Training. It’s safe to say, the message has been heard.

 Rusin was outdueled for the fifth and final spot in the starting rotation for the Chicago Cubs during Cactus League play. Carlos Villanueva would be the man to win the final rotation spot which resulted in Rusin being optioned to Triple-A Iowa.

Rusin would be called up shortly after as the Cubs traveled to St. Louis to take on the Cardinals. He would actually replace the man who beat him for the final spot in the starting rotation and work through five solid innings while allowing only one earned run. The southpaw was later optioned back to Iowa.

Rusin got the start today for the Iowa Cubs against the New Orleans Zephyrs in hopes of keeping their winning streak alive. And boy, oh boy, did Rusin bring his best to the ballpark today.

Iowa gave him a three-run lead during the top of the third inning. The first run was scored on a passed ball while outfielder Brett Jackson was at the plate. Rusin later helped himself out by plating two runs on a single to drive in Christian Villanueva and Brett Jackson to make it 3-0.

This would be all he needed. Rusin worked through all nine innings, issued only two walks while striking out three. The final out of the ball game was recorded by outfielder Matt Szczur who made a diving catch in the outfield which was followed by a mob around Rusin who was able to complete a no-hitter. The Cubs would finish with 10 hits under their belts.

Not only did the starting lefty no-hit the opposing team, but he finished the game 2-4 with two RBI’s of his own. Javier Baez finished the game 3-5 with one strikeout.

Winning pitcher Chris Rusin (2-4, 3.58 ERA) losing pitcher is Matt Montgomery (0-2, 9.64 ERA).

Final Score: Cubs 3, Zephyrs 0.

Iowa Cubs improve to 18-13.

You can listen to the Iowa Cubs radio team reacting to Rusin’s no-no by clicking here.

Here’s an update with a video that was posted on Iowa’s YouTube channel:

[H/T: Iowa Cubs YouTube Channel]