Zambrano’s no-hitter is first for Cubs in 36 years

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Carlos Zambrano’s return to the mound not only gave the Chicago Cubs hope that this finally could be their charmed season, it also gave them the team’s first no-hitter in 36 years.

“I’m trying not to be too cocky,” Zambrano said Monday. “I’m trying to do my work, and do everything that’s possible to lead this team to where we’re supposed to go.”

Zambrano’s 5-0 victory over the Houston Astros at Milwaukee appears to have revived a club that lost eight of 11 before Sunday.

The excitement in the Cubs’ clubhouse in Milwaukee, where the series was moved because of Hurricane Ike, was palpable the day after Zambrano’s feat. Even Ryan Dempster’s prediction in spring training that Chicago would win the World Series didn’t seem so far-fetched with the Cubs leading the National League standings.

“I still feel that way about our team. We’re as talented as anybody out there,” Dempster said. “ ‘Z’ said it perfectly last night, here he threw a no-hitter but he said the ultimate goal is to win a World Series. Not just get to the playoffs, not just get to the World Series but try and win one.”

Zambrano’s celebration outside of Miller Park was quiet. His wife and a few friends drove up from Chicago after the game and he bought three bottles of champagne to share while in his hotel suite.

“We just called hotel room service,” Zambrano said. “For 12 or 13 people that’s just a little glass for everybody. Just shared and celebrated.”

They all kept reminding him of his feat in the odd, weather-shortened series moved 1,100 miles north to Milwaukee from Houston because of Hurricane Ike.

“I’m just shocked,” he said. “You know, it’s a great feeling.”

Zambrano also will be contributing to the Hall of Fame, which requested a hat and one of the game balls. Zambrano’s brother requested his undershirt and he said he’s sure other family members will ask for items to mark the occasion, too.

But Zambrano says he’ll keep the ball that was the final out.

“Yeah, the last one is for me. I’m the one who threw a no-hitter, not MLB,” he deadpanned. “I have to keep something.”

Zambrano also finally made good on Milt Pappas’ promise that the emotional ace would be the first Cubs pitcher to throw a no-hitter since Pappas did against San Diego in 1972. Pappas had reminded Zambrano every time he sees him at the annual Cubs Convention.

“It’s amazing, every year he keeps telling me the same thing, you will be the next one, you will be the next one,” Zambrano said.