Phillies' Hamels Pitches 1st No-Hitter Against Cubs In 50 Years
CHICAGO (AP) —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 center fielder Odubel Herrera stumbled on the warning track before catching a flyball to end the Phillies' 5-0 win Saturday.
Hamels struck out 13 at Wrigley Field in the first no-hitter versus the Cubs since Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game in 1965.
Hamels (6-7) threw 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.
The 31-year-old lefty was part of the Phillies' last no-hitter, too. Hamels 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-center 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.
Hamels' teammates mobbed him near the mound after the final out. He walked two and threw 129 pitches on a warm afternoon.
The Phillies have the worst record in the majors, and several contending teams are interested in Hamels. They have until next Friday to make a trade before the deadline for nonwaiver deals.
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