Cubs' Lester removed after 5 no-hit innings vs. Reds
Chicago Cubs left-hander Jon Lester was removed after no-hitting the Cincinnati Reds for five innings at Great American Ball Park.
He was replaced by Dan Winkler with the Cubs leading 7-0. The reliever was unable to preserve the no-hitter, giving up a one-out RBI single to Jesse Winker.
Lester, who threw 76 pitches, recorded just one strikeout before departing. He also walked one batter, hit another, and allowed a baserunner by committing an error in the third inning. The 36-year-old is the first pitcher aged 35 or older to toss five no-hit innings in his season debut since Nolan Ryan did it for Texas in 1990, according to Stats By Stats.
In 2008, Lester threw a no-hitter while pitching for the Boston Red Sox.
The Cubs haven't had a no-no since Jake Arrieta threw one in Cincinnati in 2016.