Chicago Cubs Recap: Cole Hamels hurls no-hitter in 5-0 win at Wrigley Field

Cubs on wrong side of history

For the first time in 50 years, the Chicago Cubs were no-hit on Saturday afternoon by Philadelphia Phillies southpaw Cole Hamels (6-7, 3.64 ERA) who hurled 129 pitches, issued two walks but struck out 13 batters to lead his team to their historic 5-0 win at Wrigley Field.

With Jake Arrieta taking the mound in hopes of evening things up after Philadelphia (36-63) escaped Chicago with the 5-3 extra-innings victory on Friday, first baseman Ryan Howard drilled a three-run shot to left field to help back his veteran. Arrieta (11-6, 2.61 ERA) gave up only the three runs on six hits while issuing three walks and recording eight strikeouts in the loss.

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Not only did Hamels do work on the mound for the Phils, but in the batter’s box as well. Despite finishing the game 1-for-3, his biggest hit of the contest came during the top half of the eighth on a line drive to center fielder Dexter Fowler which would be good enough for extra bases.

Lefty James Russell entered the frame in relief of Travis Wood and would get Carlos Ruiz to ground out to second baseman Addison Russell to get things going.

Last night’s hero, Cody Asche, followed that up with a 3-2 single to center field to keep things going for Freddy Galvis. Galvis scored Asche on a pop up to Russell at second and turned that into a double of his own. He would score on the play courtesy of a throwing error by Cubs (51-45) first baseman Anthony Rizzo which extended their lead to 5-0.

Hamels entered the ninth inning needing to retire Russell, Fowler, and Kris Bryant to bag his first career no-hitter and the 13th in Phillies franchise history. 

Russell worked a full count before grounding out to third baseman Maikel Franco, who made a fantastic play to get him out at first. Fowler followed that up with a strikeout on a fastball that was right down the middle of the plate and appeared to exchange words with the home plate umpire right after.

Bryant, who struck out in the seventh, had the best shot at breaking up the no-no. After working the count to 3-2, Bryant lifted a curveball to deep center field only to have Odubel Herrera stumble on the warning track while recording the third and final out of the ballgame in dramatic fashion.

Surely, talks between these two clubs will either pick up after this performance or another team could throw their hats in the mix and extend an offer that Philadelphia is unable to refuse.

Chicago will send right-hander Jason Hammel (5-4, 2.82 ERA) to the mound opposite top Phillies’ pitching prospect Aaron Nola (0-1, 1.50 ERA) in hopes of avoiding the weekend sweep.

Next: Making a case for David Price

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