Hamels no-hits Cubs with 13-strikeout masterpiece at Wrigley Field

Cole Hamels' potential last start in a Philadelphia Phillies uniform will go down as one of the most memorable of his career.

The southpaw overwhelmed the Chicago Cubs on Saturday, tossing the first no-hitter of his career and 13th in franchise history with a 13-strikeout, 129-pitch masterpiece in a 5-0 Phillies victory. The 13 strikeouts were the most by a Phillies pitcher in a no-hitter.

Hamels issued two walks - both to Dexter Fowler - and retired Kris Bryant for the final out courtesy of a dramatic diving catch from Odubel Herrera at the center-field warning track.

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

The 2008 World Series MVP tossed six innings of a Phillies combined no-hitter against the Atlanta Braves on Sept. 1, 2014, but Hamels said achieving the milestone on his own is one of his proudest moments.

"Nothing will top winning a World Series ... but this is right under it," Hamels said about the rare feat. "It's something where you just go out there and enjoy the moment. What I want is to be successful at it. I enjoyed the moment, and this happened."

Hamels, who has been the subject of trade rumors as the July 31 non-waiver deadline approaches, joined Max Scherzer and Chris Heston as the only hurlers to toss a no-hitter this season.

The Phillies (36-63) have the worst record in the majors and several contending squads are reportedly interested in acquiring Hamels, who likely boosted his trade value with the gem.

"I'd be surprised if Ruben's (Amaro Jr.) phone isn't ringing off the hook right now," Phillies interim manager Pete Mackanin said.

Hamels' battery mate, Carlos Ruiz, has now caught four no-hitters to tie Boston Red Sox great Jason Varitek for the major-league record.

The Cubs had gone 7,930 games without being no-hit - the longest streak in the majors. Los Angeles Dodgers great Sandy Koufax fired a perfect game against the Cubs way back in 1965.