ICYMI: Craig Kimbrel Makes Chicago Cubs History, And Doesn't Even Know It

When Craig Kimbrel registered the final out for the Chicago Cubs Thursday night against the Los Angeles Dodgers, he was wondering why catcher Willson Contreras had an extra hop in his step coming out to the mound to congratulate him. 

The Cubs complete the first combined no-hitter in MLB this season!

Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin and Craig Kimbrel pic.twitter.com/5KvHOt3T3F

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 25, 2021

Craig Kimbrel told me after the game he didn't even know it was a combined no-hitter until after the last out. He said after seeing Contreras' reaction he knew something big had happened and then Ryan Tepera told him. @WatchMarquee @cubs

— Elise Menaker (@EliseMenaker) June 25, 2021

It was when fellow reliever Ryan Tepera whispered in his ear, "you have no idea what happened!" that Kimbrel finally caught on — The Cubs had just thrown the first combined no-hitter in franchise history. 

At the :16 second mark in the video above, you can see Kimbrel laughing and telling Tepera he didn't know what had happened.

Then Javy Baez celebrated by putting him in a headlock and he knew it was for real. 

The Cubs etched even more history into the books with this one, as well: It's the first no-hitter against a lineup with 3 former MVPs (Mookie Betts, Albert Pujols, and Cody Bellinger).

The surprise no-no also lifted the Cubs into a tie for first place in the NL East lead.

Photo Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports