Hayden Wesneski Unaware of Ben Brown’s No-Hitter
At the top of his game, Cubs pitcher Ben Brown was on fire, pitching a career game on Tuesday with seven no-hit innings against the Brewers. With only 93 pitches, the Cubs decided to pull him out to protect his long-term health, despite him having an active no-hitter going. Manager Craig Counsell then turned to reliever Hayden Wesneski to continue the no-hitter in the eighth inning, unaware that there was a no-hitter in progress.
Wesneski, stepping onto the mound, struck out the first batter he faced, Joey Ortiz. However, the next batter, Sal Frelick, hit a single on the first pitch, breaking the no-hitter but not the lead. Despite this, Wesneski managed to strike out one more batter before being replaced by Mark Leiter Jr. with two outs in the eighth inning.
It was later revealed that Wesneski was not aware of the active no-hitter when he entered the game. While he expressed relief at not knowing, it raises questions about the awareness of relief pitchers when entering a game with high stakes. The pressure to maintain a no-hitter added a unique element to the situation, even if Wesneski started the inning with a clean slate.
Collective no-hitters, like the one the Cubs were aiming for, are still celebrated in baseball history. Although not as prestigious as a single-handed no-hitter, they are recognized achievements. Brown, who had a strong outing, has been a versatile player for the Cubs this season, showcasing his talent as both a starter and reliever. With a solid 3.20 ERA and impressive stats, Brown continues to be a valuable asset to the team.
This incident sheds light on the unique challenges faced by relief pitchers and the importance of being fully informed when entering a game. Despite the outcome, it was a memorable moment in Cubs’ history that highlighted the unpredictable nature of baseball.