Zambrano throws no-hitter
Monday, September 15, 2008 10:39 AM PDT
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| Morry Gash | Associated Press
Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Carlos Zambrano reacts after the final out in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros Sunday in Milwaukee. Zambrano threw a no-hitter as the Cubs won 5-0. Zambrano pitched the first no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs in 36 years. The game is being played at Miller Park because of the effects of Hurricane Ike in Houston. |
Milwaukee — (AP) All the elements were in Carlos Zambrano’s favor.
The Brewers and Mets are hoping they don’t look completely out of their element in September.
Zambrano pitched the first no-hitter for the Chicago Cubs in 36 years, returning from a sore rotator cuff to shut down the Houston Astros 5-0 Sunday night in a game relocated because of Hurricane Ike.
‘‘I guess I’m back!’’ Zambrano said.
The Brewers are trying to avoid a repeat of last year’s late collapse, when they built an 8 1/2-game lead in the NL Central in late June only to finish two games behind the Chicago Cubs. After Zambrano threw a no-hitter to beat the Astros, the Brewers were 7 1/2 behind Chicago.
Nine days ago, the Brewers were within four games of the Cubs.
At New York, fill-in closer Luis Ayala gave up a go-ahead homer to pinch-hitter Greg Norton, and the Atlanta Braves rallied for five runs in the ninth inning and a 7-4 victory. The Mets’ lead in the NL East was cut to one game by Philadelphia, which swept a doubleheader from Milwaukee.
Brett Myers closed out the Phillies’ sweep, pitching a two-hitter in a 6-1 win over slumping Milwaukee.
Angels 4
Mariners 3
At Anaheim, Chone Figgins hit an RBI single with one out in the ninth inning and the AL West champions finished off a four-game sweep.
Mark Teixeira hit his 200th career homer, including his 10th since being traded from Atlanta to Los Angeles. Ervin Santana reached 200 strikeouts, the first Angels pitcher to do it since Chuck Finley in 1999.
Adrian Beltre went 0-for-4 in his final game of the season for Seattle. He’s set for surgery on his wrist and shoulder this week.
Yankees 8
Rays 4
At New York, Derek Jeter homered to tie Lou Gehrig for the most career hits at Yankee Stadium and Alex Rodriguez launched a grand slam.
Jeter had his third straight three-hit game, giving him 1,269 hits at the ballpark that’s in its final season.
While the fans cheered Jeter, they booed Carl Pavano off the mound.
The oft-injured pitcher left in the sixth inning with a stiff left hip. Mariano Rivera closed for his 478th save, tying Lee Smith for second on the all-time list. San Diego’s Trevor Hoffman leads with 552.
Much-heralded rookie David Price made his major league debut and pitched 5 1-3 impressive innings. He retired the first six batters before Jeter homered.
