Last Friday, the Fightin' Irish Baseball team took on the Riordan Crusaders at the University of San Francisco baseball diamond and Jacob Vines '25 pitched a no-hitter for the Irish. The right-handed junior gave up zero runs, zero hits and 3 walks while striking out sixteen.
The Irish started strong, flying through the top of the first with two strikeouts and a beautiful catch by center fielder Quinn Middleton '25. In the bottom of the first, the Irish scored a run on a wild pitch and was followed by an RBI for Santino Baisman '25 to put the Irish up 2-0.
After a fairly uneventful second inning, SHC began the top of the third with two strikeouts, catching the final runner with an out at first. In the bottom of the third, Rohan Kahns '25 doubled on a line drive to center. In Kahn's attempt to steal third, the Crusaders' pitcher threw to stop him, but interference with the ball, creating the perfect opportunity for Kahns to steal home.
The top of the fourth Vines struck out three consecutive hitters. In the bottom of the fourth, the Irish got two runners on base - advancing them off a sacrifice bunt by Quinn Middleton. With two outs on the board, Jeremy Marquez '25 reached home before the final out, making the score 3-0 for SHC.
The fifth inning passed by smoothly, with no runs for either team. But the Irish proved their might again in the bottom of the sixth, getting two runners on base off of two perfect hits. Tedford Lewis '26 scored the final run of the game, coming home right before the final out.
To secure the no-hitter, SHC needed three more outs. And they got them, with two outs at first and Vines with a strikeout to finish the game.
The Irish victory against the Crusaders was the first SHC no-hitter in a ten years. When asked about what contributed to his performance, Vines said that he "had full confidence in" himself and his team - "trusting what pitches to throw" and his coaches.
SHC put 8 hits on the board during the game, a result of "being aggressive with [their] bats early in the game" according to Assistant Varsity Coach and Batting Coach Justin Marquez. "When we limit our strikeouts and put the ball in play, good things happen for us."
Next, baseball will take on St. Francis this Friday, April 11 at West Sunset at 3:30pm.
GO IRISH!!!
