Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels pitches a no-hitter…barely

Congratulations are in order for Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Cole Hamels, who became the third pitcher this season to pitch a no-hit game and the first pitcher since Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax in 1965 to no-hit the Chicago Cubs.

Not bad for a guy who is, in all likelihood, headed to the trading block, where the Phillies can expect to have a number of suitors lining up around the corner for the 31-year-old left-hander.

However, Hamels’ no-hit bid nearly ended in tears opposed to jubilation.

Hamels’ final pitch of the game was singed to center field by Cubs phenom and rookie third baseman Kris Bryant, driving Phillies center fielder Odubal Herrera to the warning track where he made a flailing catch on his stomach to narrowly preserve the final out.

For the sake of Hamels, and Herrera’s pocketbook, we’re happy the catch was made.