Cubs Hendricks No-No Broken Up By Home Run In The Ninth

JEFF ROBERSON/AP

The Chicago Cubs are a mere three games away from clinching the NL Central crown for the first time since the 2008 season. But first there was some other dramatic action on the field on Monday when starter Kyle Hendricks took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against their rivals, the St. Louis Cardinals.

Hendricks was nearly perfect through eight innings, while striking out seven batters, and retiring 18 straight batters sandwiched by two walks.

But in the ninth with rookie outfielder Jeremy Hazelbaker leading off, Hendricks threw him an 81.3 MPH changeup with two strikes and Hazelbaker hit a line drive over the right field fence to break up the no-no.

Aroldis Chapman then relieved Hendricks and retired the side to secure the one-hitter.

What a season for Hendricks as he has definitly earned a Cy Young nod as he continues to work towards leading the Cubs to the World Series.

Game Notes:

Cubs skipper Joe Maddon was ejected by plate umpire Joe West after Maddon motioned for his infield to conference with Hendricks, when starter lost the no-hitter. West did not allow catcher Miguel Montero to visit the mound, so Maddon did not agree and got into a heated argument with the veteran umpire before being tossed.

Hendricks won his 15th game on the season, while lowering his ERA to 2.03, both career highs.

Chapman earned his 34 save on the season, 14 of which are with the Cubs.

Ben Zobrist his his 15th home run and Dexter Fowler his 11th dinger in the 4-1 victory.

David Conde

David is the Co-Founder and Executive Editor of Legends On Deck®, as well as a Co-Host on Legends On Deck Podcast. David was a Senior Editor for MetsMerizedOnline.com, MetsMinors.net and Contributor for Hardballchat.com that spanned from 2010 to 2014. David made his MLB Debut as a writer in June 2014, while covering the NY Mets at Citi Field, for MetsmerizedOnline.com. David also coaches baseball for ages 13-15, a Babe Ruth League team in his local community. David's passion is coaching the game he loves to the future Legends of Tomorrow as well as making available a website that people can have fun sharing and reading. David is also passionate about his career as a Mortgage Loan Officer which allows him to help many families reach their dreams of owning a home. Connect with David via his Social Media pages as he loves to chat all about baseball.