Zach Davies, three Cubs relievers combine for seventh no-hitter of MLB season

Los Angeles — Zach Davies and three Chicago Cubs relievers combined for the seventh no-hitter in the majors this year Thursday night, blanking the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-0 and tying the record for most no-hitters in a single baseball season since 1900.

The Dodgers drew eight walks, getting at least one from each Cubs pitcher, but managed no other baserunners.

Davies (5-3) issued five walks and used 94 pitches to get through his six hitless innings against the defending World Series champions in the 16th start of his first season with the Cubs.

Chicago relievers Ryan Tepera and Andrew Chafin each walked a batter during their inning, but Los Angeles couldn't capitalize.

Craig Kimbrel then walked Chris Taylor leading off the ninth, but the ferocious closer struck out Cody Bellinger, Albert Pujols and pinch-hitter Will Smith to end the 17th no-hitter in Cubs history — the team's first combined no-no.

Tepera, the busiest reliever in Chicago's solid bullpen, walked Gavin Lux with two outs in the seventh. Austin Barnes lined out to second to end another hitless inning.

Chafin walked Mookie Betts with one out, but Max Muncy hit a grounder right to first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who stepped on the bag and threw to second for an easy double play.

Six no-hitters have been thrown in the majors already this year, but none since May 19. The Boston Red Sox took a bid for a combined no-hitter into the eighth inning earlier Thursday, but lost the no-no and the game at Tampa Bay.