(670 The Score) Cubs catcher Willson Contreras is a World Series champion and two-time All-Star who has earned the respect of his team, but one major accomplishment had been eluding him in his career.
Contreras had never been behind home plate to catch a no-hitter until Thursday night, when he worked the Cubs' combined no-hitter. He called the game for starter Zach Davies in his six innings of hitless work, then led the bullpen trio of righty Ryan Tepera, lefty Andrew Chafin and closer Craig Kimbrel, who each allowed no hits in a 4-0 win over the Dodgers.
"It means a lot to me," Contreras said. "I have caught a lot of shutouts since I came up in 2016 but nothing close to a no-hitter. Tonight was just one of those nights that is special and will be hard for me to ever forget. I am thankful for all the pitchers who came out and did their job."
Like the Cubs' bullpen, Contreras wasn't initially aware they were working a no-hitter. It wasn't until Davies departed after six no-hit innings that he became aware of the situation.
Contreras found himself aggressively calling pitches to Tepera, Chafin and Kimbrel, who were each unaware there was a no-hitter in play. With two outs in the seventh inning, Contreras called a 3-0 slider for Tepera to Dodgers shortstop Gavin Lux. Tepera twice shook off before throwing the slider, which went for ball four to Lux.
Later, Tepera found out Contreras was working to preserve a historic accomplishment.
"In the seventh, my heart started racing and racing," Contreras said. "I tried to slow the game down and to put the right fingers down. I wanted to call the right pitches. It was something that worked out really well. Tepera did a good job of keeping it simple. Chafin was very good and then Kimbrel has been doing great job saving games all year. I am just proud of what we did."
Contreras also hit a two-run homer in the sixth inning of the win Thursday.
After Kimbrel retired Dodgers catcher Will Smith to record the final out of the no-hitter, Contreras pumped his fist and ran out to the mound to celebrate. It was then Kimbrel realized what he had just completed.
While the spotlight shined on the Cubs' pitchers, manager David Ross praised Contreras for guiding them through the no-hit effort.
"I want to point out, a lot of credit, too, goes to Willson Contreras, who grinded his tail off back there tonight calling the game," Ross said.
"That's a special, special moment for him right there. He's put in a lot of hard work in his game-calling. It showed."
Contreras has been mostly recognized as an above-average offensive catcher and sometimes downgraded for his below-average framing numbers. A Venezuela native, Contreras was converted to being a catcher after signing as a third baseman. He was originally signed by the Cubs as an international free agent in 2009 at age 17.
Now with just the remainder of this season and 2022 left before being eligible for free agency, Contreras has opened eyes with his spectacular throwing and new respect coming his way for all-around excellence behind the plate.
"I have really matured behind the plate and calling games," Contreras said. "Obviously, when you are called up, you have no experience. You are anxious to learn as quick as you can. Thankfully I have had great coaches who taught me a lot. I had a few players who taught me a lot. Mike Borzello has taught me a lot and is one of the greatest teachers in the game.
"This is what we work hard for and thanks to all the people, scouts, and coaches who made this possible too."
Bruce Levine covers the Cubs and White Sox for 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter @MLBBruceLevine.