Saturday’s Baseball Capsules – Washington Times – Washington Times

CHICAGO (AP) – Phillies ace Cole Hamels enhanced his trade value even more, becoming the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter against the Chicago Cubs in 50 years while leading Philadelphia to a 5-0 win Saturday.

There was drama down to the final out, when rookie center fielder Odubel Herrera stumbled on the warning track, but managed to lean forward and catch Kris Bryant’s flyball to end the game.

Hamels struck out 13 in the first no-hitter versus the Cubs since Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game in 1965.

Hamels (6-7) threw his first career no-hitter in what could be his final start for the Phillies. He was the MVP of the 2008 World Series has been mentioned prominently in trade talks as the July 31 deadline approaches.

The 31-year-old lefty was part of the Phillies’ last no-hitter, too. He teamed with three relievers on a combined no-no last Sept. 1 at Atlanta.

RANGERS 7, ANGELS 6

ANAHEIM, Calif. (AP) – Delino DeShields capped a three-run rally in the eighth inning with an infield hit that drove in the go-ahead run, Rougned Odor homered, and Texas beat Los Angeles.

Joe Smith (4-3) came on to protect a 6-4 lead for Angels starter Hector Santiago, but didn’t make it out of the eighth. Elvis Andrus raced home from third as Shin-Soo Choo grounded to first baseman Albert Pujols for a force at second, Robinson Chirinos singled home another run, and Josh Hamilton scored on DeShields’ high chopper to third.

Spencer Patton (1-0) earned his second big league victory with a hitless seventh. Struggling Tanner Scheppers pitched a hitless eighth and Shawn Tolleson got his 17th save.

The Angels’ loss was their third in a row after seven straight wins, and kept them in a virtual tie with Houston for the AL West lead.

CARDINALS 1, BRAVES 0

ST. LOUIS (AP) – Pinch-hitter Stephen Piscotty got his first career RBI with a sacrifice fly in the eighth inning and Carlos Martinez outdueled former teammate Shelby Miller as St. Louis beat Atlanta.

The Cardinals won their fifth in a row despite getting just two hits. They lead the majors with a 63-34 record.

Martinez (11-4) made his first post-All-Star break start and allowed six hits in eight innings with six strikeouts and one walk, which was intentional. He worked the last four innings and took the loss in an 18-inning setback to the Mets on Sunday.

Randy Choate got the last two outs for his first save. Cardinals closer Trevor Rosenthal has gotten two games off after working three in a row.

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