Carlos Zambrano Makes History as he No-Hits the Houston Astros

The Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros began their series on Sunday night after being postponed since Friday due to Hurricane Ike. However, they were not playing in Houston or Chicago, but the ever-so-friendly Miller Park in Milwaukee—also known as Wrigley North.

The Milwaukee Brewers lost to the Phillies in Philadelphia earlier in the night to complete a sweep, while Carlos Zambrano and the Chicago Cubs moved onto their home turf. After a recent slump, and some shoulder discomfort, Carlos was granted 12 days off to rest.  

While dressing for the game in Milwaukee’s locker room, he was asked how he felt. Zambrano answered back “I feel good”.  Then Carlos stepped on the field.

All eyes were on the Cubs’ ace tonight, not because he dominated his last time out in Milwaukee, but because his health has been a concern. Experts have stated that if Carlos cannot perform in the playoffs, the Cubs’ chances would dramatically decrease.

Well critics, I would put those worries aside.

For the first time in his career, Carlos Zambrano tossed a no-hitter, striking out 10 and leading the Chicago Cubs to a 5-0 victory. Zambrano’s no-no against the Houston Astros makes him the first Cubs pitcher to do so since Milt Pappas did it on Sept. 2, 1972. 

Cubs fans invaded the Brewers’ home park for what turned out to be an historic night for Chicago Cubs. This NL Central matchup was supposed to be an Astros home game, but it sure didn’t seem that way. Somebody forgot to tell Houston that Milwaukee is the Cubs’ second home field, or at least it felt like it with the majority of the 23,441 occupants wearing Cubbie-blue.

Fans cheered for the win, cheered for the Brewers’ loss in Philly, and erupted for Carlos Zambrano as he collected his first no-hitter, which he deserved so very much.

Soriano's leadoff home run would have been all Big Z needed, but the rest of the Cubs wanted some attention, too. Derrek Lee was kind enough to knock in Ronny Cedeno and Zambrano with a two-run double in the third, and Aramis Ramirez decided to send Lee in with a rocket single to left field. The merry-go-round continued with catcher Geovany Soto, who then doubled in A-Ram.

With the Cubs' victory tonight, and the Brewers’ loss, the Cubbies improved to a 7.5 game lead in the NL central division.