Chicago Cubs shock baseball, throw their first-ever combined no-hitter

On a Thursday night in the heart of Dodger Stadium, the Chicago Cubs managed to work around eight walks on their way to completing the seventh no-hitter of the 2021 season. In a manner, as baseball provides an aura of supernatural intervention, everything worked in the Cubs’ favor.

In what was to begin an arduous road trip, facing the mounting pressure in a regular-season game a few weeks shy of the All-Star break, starting pitcher Zach Davies got the ball rolling and did not disappoint. Relievers Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin each did their part in strong relief. Craig Kimbrel entered in the ninth and finished the feat sending baseball Twitter into a frenzy.

More from Cubbies Crib

• Cubs should keep close eye on non-tender candidate Cody Bellinger
• Cubs starting pitching has been thriving on the North Side
• Make no mistake: the Cubs are very much about power hitters
• Cubs are giving pitcher Javier Assad a deserved shot
• Cubs: It’s time to start thinking about potential September call-ups

Chicago Cubs: The first combined ‘no-no’ in franchise history

The Cubs, as a franchise, have had 17 no-hitters in their history. Some of the most prominent ones include dominant victories, including Alec Mills last season on the road in Milwaukee and Jake Arrieta during the championship-winning 2016 season on the road in Cincinnati.

On the topic of Arrieta, it was six years ago he also no-hit the Dodgers in Dodger Stadium. Six years later, an incredible team performance propelled the Cubs to a 4-0 shutout victory on the backing of a Javier Báez home run, a Willson Contreras home run, and an RBI base hit from Jake Marisnick. He came in for Davies to pinch-hit.

Chicago Cubs have, once again, piqued baseball’s interest with a no-no

Now I know what fans will be talking about because the staff surrendered eight walks – an abysmal number for any night. But, in a shocking surprise, the Cubs could adjust and show what makes them, well, the Cubs. We have seen it repeatedly, and tonight there was an heir of a classic baseball and the reminiscence of years past.

Coming into the series between the two clubs, there was hope dashed before it could play out. At least, that is on paper. But knowing you’re slated to face Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw twice in a series does not instill a ton of confidence. Especially when you’re starting, pitching has been on the ropes, as has been the case with the Cubs.

Credit to where credit is due. Davies pitched a heck of a game, and it showed through in his ability to go right at Dodgers hitters. His sinker was far and away his most impressive pitch. Per Baseball Savant, Davies notched a 30 percent in his called strikes and whiffs. He knew what the game plan going in was, and it seemed to eliminate any pressure.

Last night was a moment Wrigleyville needed from their team. It felt like 2016 all over again. Let’s hope it continues in a positive trend upwards. The Cubs took care of business and a win versus one of the best young pitchers in the game today in Buehler is icing on the cake.

As a team who had ridden the struggle bus at points this season, last night was a night to remember and one which will go into the record books for the rest of time.