Veteran Chicago Cubs right-hander Kyle Hendricks came just four outs from throwing the first no-hitter of 2023 in his away start against the San Francisco Giants on Saturday, ultimately resulting in a 4-0 win for his team led.
What makes the bid even more notable is that in only his fourth start since returning from shoulder surgery, Hendricks had the longest no-hit bid of the season. Before starting for the first time in 2023 on May 25, Hendricks had not watched a game in the majors since July 5 last year.
As for his close involvement with history, Hendricks’ bid ended with two outs in the eighth when Mitch Haniger hit a double down center left:
Hendricks was eliminated as the last batter of the frame before making way for substitute Julian Merryweather, who hit a perfect ninth throw. Hendricks ended up with three strikeouts, a walk and 13 groundball outs. Of his 94 throws, 61 went into strikes, and as usual, none of those throws hit 90 mph. He allowed eight hard balls at the beginning, but of course only one of them was suitable for a goal. With that effort, the 33-year-old Hendricks lowered his ERA to 3.09.
Had Hendricks been able to make the offer, his no-hitter would have been the first since the Astros teamed up against the Phillies in Game 4 of the World Series. The Cubs’ last no-hitter came in combination against the Dodgers on June 24, 2021. As for the Giants, they still haven’t been without a no-hitter since the Reds’ Homer Bailey kept them without a hit on July 2, 2013 .
The win sees the Cubs improve to 28-36 this season while the loss drops the Giants to .500 at 32-32.