Chicago Cubs, Pittsburgh Pirates DSL teams fire dual no-hitters

Let us go back to May 2, 1917. On that day, the Cincinnati Reds had traveled to Weeghman Park to take on the Chicago Cubs. It was a day that would make major league history as Cubs starter Hippo Vaughn and Reds starter Fred Toney traded zeros throughout the contest, with each pitcher throwing a no-hitter through nine innings, the only time that has happened in MLB.

In the end, Vaughn lost his no-hitter, and shutout, in the top of the tenth inning. Toney was able complete his gem although the ten inning no-hitter was not the longest of his career; he had previously fired a 17 inning no-hitter back in the Blue Grass League in 1909.

Chicago Cubs come out on right end of history against Pittsburgh Pirates in DSL matchup

More than 105 years later, the Cubs found themselves in a similar situation. As Hector Gomez noted, the Cubs Red in the Dominican Summer League faced off against the Pirates Black on Thursday with each team firing a no-hitter. This time, the Cubs won 2-0.

Both runs came in the first inning due to a pair of errors. A throwing error by Richard Ramirez on a double steal allowed the first run to score. Another error, this time by shortstop Kelvin Diaz, allowed the Cubs’ second run to score. It certainly did not help that Pirates’ starter Jonathan Salazar walked three batters while recording just two outs in that inning.

While Pirates relievers allowed just four walks over the next 5.1 innings, the damage had been done. A trio of Cubs pitchers – Juan Bello, Wilber Rodriguez, and Yohan Crispin – held the Pirates off the board entirely for seven innings to complete the shutout and their own no-hitter.

History was made in the Dominican Summer League on Tuesday. The Chicago Cubs and Pittsburgh Pirates teams fired a dual no-hitter.