NEW YORK -- After more than a half century and 8,020 games, Johan Santana pitched the first no-hitter in New York Mets' history.

Aided by an umpire's missed call and an incredible catch by a left fielder who grew up in Queens as a Mets fan, Santana's start is also the first no-hitter of his career.

In the 8-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals, Santana, who missed last season because of shoulder surgery, walked five and struck out eight, while testing the limits of his comeback.

Mets manager Terry Collins said before the game that he wanted to limit Santana to a maximum of 110-115 pitches. Santana finished with a career-high 134.

Afterward, an emotional Collins expressed his trepidation about going after history instead of preserving Santana's long-term health.

"I just couldn't take him out," Collins said.

In the ninth inning with 27,609 fans all standing, Santana's final pitch, a 3-2 change-up, resulted in David Freese swinging and missing. Santana's teammates all stormed the mound to celebrate.

Santana said he never has thrown a no-hitter at any level.

"I don't think I've ever even thrown a no-hitter in video games," Santana said.

The San Diego Padres, established in 1969, are now the only team in the majors without a no-hitter. The Mets previously had 35 one-hitters.