ST.LOUIS -- Chicago Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks came three outs away from his first career no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday. Cardinals LF Jeremy Hazelbaker led off the bottom of the ninth inning with a home run to right field on an 0-2 pitch. Hendricks was then pulled in favor of Aroldis Chapman, though manager Joe Maddon was ejected in the process as home plate umpire Joe West seemingly thought the Cubs, who won 4-1, were stalling after the home run.
Hendricks was masterful in forcing light contact early in the game, and he got help on defense from shortstop Addison Russell, right fielder Jason Heyward and third baseman Kris Bryant. Each made big plays to keep the no-hit bid alive. Hendricks did the rest, walking two and striking out seven before leaving after allowing the home run. He also lowered his NL-leading ERA to 2.03.
Hendricks just missed becoming the second Cubs starter this season to throw a no-hitter. Jake Arrieta's gem on April 21 against the Cincinnati Reds remains the only no-hitter thrown in the majors this season.
The Cubs' win reduced their magic number to clinch the NL Central to three.
