The Cubs and California are both prone to droughts. The difference is that the droughts that have plagued the Cubs are, or rather were, much more recent. They have not made the playoffs since 2008, have not won a World Series since 1908, and perhaps more importantly, have not been no-hit since 1965. That is until Philadelphia Phillies starting pitcher Cole Hamels tossed a no-hitter Saturday July 25, 2015. It was the club’s 13th no-hitter in franchise history. By no-hitting the Cubs, Hamels joins Sandy Koufax as the last player to no-hit them.
Hamels, 31, is a three-time All-Star and a World Series champion. He is also one of the only promising players on an otherwise decrepit Phillies roster It’s that promise, stemming from his tremendous success, that made him a viable trade option for Philadelphia. Leading up to the no-hitter, Cole Hamels had a string of particularly dismal starts, potentially hurting his stock.
Every pitcher that throws a no-hitter is dominant, having every pitch working, having the defense work behind them, and being there mentally. Hamels checked every box and then some. He went 1-3 at the dish, helping out his own cause.
On the bump is where Hamels really shined striking out 13 and issuing just two walks. He needed 129 pitches to finish the job, and some great defense by Odubel Herrera, but rest assured, Cole Hamels got the job done.
An argument could be made that Hamels was overworked, 129 pitches is no small amount. The last time a pitcher was deemed to have been overworked en route to a no-hitter, he, Johan Santana was wiped off the face of the Earth due to injury.
Hopefully Hamels doesn’t endure the same fate.
For now though, he can celebrate adding a no-hitter to his impressive career resume.
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