It might just be a coincidence that the Cubs pitched a combined no-hitter in a time of plummeting batting averages.
It might just be a coincidence that six of the 15 combined no-hitters in major-league history have come since 2012, a time of shorter stints for starters and more innings for relievers.
After all, 15 games is a minuscule sample. Any combined no-hitter is an outlier in any era, including the Cubs’ 4-0 victory Thursday with Zach Davies, Ryan Tepera, Andrew Chafin and Craig Kimbrel holding the Dodgers hitless.
Still, we’ve seen a change in how combined no-hitters came about that fits in with an era of fewer hits, more relievers and closer attention to pitch counts.