As the Philadelphia Phillies continue to push through another dim season, the Phillies were able create a bright spot yesterday afternoon by throwing a combined no-hitter. Four pitchers combined to no hit the Atlanta Braves this past Labor Day. Cole Hamels struggled with control issues through out the game, but still managed to go six innings without giving up a hit. After giving up five walks and with 108 pitches thrown, the Phillies went to the bullpen.
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Jake Diekman, Ken Giles and Jonathan Papelbon backed up Cole Hamels’ performance by shutting out the Braves the rest of the way. The Phillies preserved the no-hitter by using their two young fire ballers. Diekman came in the seventh inning after Hamels and struck out two. Giles then came on in the eighth inning and struck out the side. Then Jonathan Papelbon shut the door by getting the final three outs. These four pitchers worked hard to get the Phillies their first combined no-hitter in franchise history.
Behind every no hitter there is almost always and great play. In the third inning with runners on second and third, Marlon Byrd came up with a great diving catch that saved the Phillies no-hitter.
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An over looked aspect of this no-hitter is the work and pitch calling of Carlos Ruiz. Ruiz has now caught his third career no-hitter. A great accomplishment for a catcher that has handled an up and down pitching staff over the years.
The Philadelphia Phillies are not in a position to make the playoffs this season or in the near future, but this no hitter has been a great accomplishment for a team that has not had much to cheer about.
