Chicago Cubs throw no-hitter and no one knows

Usually, when a team has a no-hitter entering the latter innings, there is a sense of excitement in the air. The tension can be felt in the ballpark, even if the visitors are dominating on the mound, as everyone waits to see if history will be made. However, for Craig Kimbrel and the Chicago Cubs, Thursday’s no-hitter was completely overlooked.

Kimbrel, for his part, had no idea that a no-hitter was in the works. As he struck out Dodgers’ catcher Will Smith to end the 4-0 victory, and the team celebrated the win more than usual, the Cubs’ closer was confused. It was not until fellow reliever Ryan Tepera explained that he recorded the final out of the combined no-hitter that Kimbrel realized that had happened.

Chicago Cubs combined no-hitter being overlooked

Kimbrel was not the only one to miss out on what was happening. The story of the Cubs’ no-hitter was lost, with little mention on social media or in the news cycle. Perhaps it is due to the nature of how history was accomplished, with four pitchers combining to throw the no-hitter. Perhaps it was because the game was played on the west coast, ending long after the eastern seaboard, and their media, were asleep. Or perhaps it is due to no-hitter fatigue, as the Cubs’ performance was the eighth no-hitter, and seventh official one, of the 2021 season.

Nonetheless, it is a significant accomplishment, and one that the pitchers involved will remember for the rest of their lives. Starter Zach Davies was hardly dominant, issuing five walks and striking out four over his six innings of work. Although he was aware that he was in the midst of a no-hitter, Davies agreed that he should be pinch hit for, turning the game over to the bullpen.

Those relievers were a bit shaky as well. Both Tepera and Andrew Chafin issued a walk in their inning of work, but emerged unscathed. Kimbrel himself had issued a walk, but also recorded all three outs via strikeout to nailed down the game.

For Kimbrel, it was just another day at the office. He had been tasked to protect the four run lead, and while it was not a save situation, he had been in this situation many times before. Or at least, that’s what he had thought until Tepera let him know what he had accomplished.

The Chicago Cubs combined no-hitter still counts in the record books, even if Craig Kimbrel himself did not know history was being made on Thursday.