Cubs Throw No-Hitter in Split of Doubleheader
August 28, 2009 - Florida State League (FSL1)
Daytona Tortugas News Release
DAYTONA - History was made at Jackie Robinson Ballpark for the second time in less than two weeks as in the second game of a doubleheader the Daytona Cubs (27-33, 61-66) pitched a no-hitter. Starter Oswaldo Martinez and reliever Mike Perconte combined to keep the Threshers at bay through seven innings. Daytona spoiled numerous chances to earn a victory in the first of the twin bill against the Clearwater Threshers (31-31, 63-65), as the Threshers won in extra innings 3-2.
In game one, Clearwater jumped on top in the first inning with two runs off of Cubs starter Ryan Searle. Center fielder Javis Diaz and shortstop Jesus Villegas led off the game with back-to-back singles. With one out, designated hitter Matt Rizzotti smoked a double to the wall to score Diaz and Villegas.
Searle avoided further damage in the top of the fourth inning. The Threshers had the bases loaded with just one out, but right fielder Gus Milner grounded into an inning-ending double play to end the threat. It wasn't your everyday double play as Milner shot one to Jake Opitz at first base. He stepped on the bag and then threw home to get Rizzotti at the plate. Catcher Mark Reed was somehow able to hang on as the 6-5, 230 pound designated hitter collided with him at home.
The Cubs would crack the scoreboard in the sixth. Marwin Gonzalez led off the inning with a double down the right field line. After a Jericho Jones walk, Tony Campana laid down a bunt for a hit and then advanced to second as Thresher starter Jon Velasquez threw it past Michael Durant at first, which also allowed Gonzalez to score from second. Nate Samson tied the game at two with a sacrifice fly to left field that scored pinch runner Jose Made.
The Cubs had a chance to win in the bottom of the seventh as they loaded the bases against Velasquez with no outs in the inning. Velasquez worked out of it though, as both Reed and Jonathan Wyatt popped out in the infield and Made struck out to end the threat.
The Threshers would break the tie in the extras. Joel Naughton led of the top of the ninth with a single up the middle against Cubs reliever Chris Siegfried (2-1). Naughton advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt from Gus Milner and then scored on a Derrick Mitchell double to left field.
Carlos Monasterios (5-6) came in relief for the Threshers and pitched two innings of scoreless baseball to pick up the victory.
The Cubs got off to a quick start in game number two. Nate Samson hit a one out single of Thresher starter Walter Tejeda. Josh Vitters reached first base and advanced Samson after Thresher second baseman Yonderman Rodriguez bobbled a ground ball off of Vitters bat. Tejeda walked Brandon Guyer which loaded the bases for the Cubs. Jake Opitz singled to left field and drove home Samson and kept the bases full of Cubs. With two out Tejeda threw a wild pitch past catcher Jorge Guerra that allowed Vitters to score, and after the first the Cubs held a 2-0 lead.
The Cubs would add to their lead in the bottom of the fifth against Thresher Chris Kissock. Guyer singled to left and stole second with two out in the frame. Guyer was again in motion and Opitz singled through the open hole on the left side to drive home Guyer and give the Cubs a 3-0 lead.
In a spot start, Oswaldo Martinez worked four innings and gave up just two walks. Perconte (1-1) then came in and flashed dominant stuff as he finished off the final three innings with three strikeouts.
On August 15th, the Cubs used four different pitchers to no-hit the Dunedin Blue Jays at "The Jack.
Don't miss another exciting night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark as the Cubs continue their series with Clearwater on Saturday night. There will be another fireworks extravaganza following the game presented by YMCA of Volusia/Flagler Counties, Jon Hall Automotive, Food Lion, WDSC PBS Channel 15, and Chick Fil-A. Also, the first 1,000 fans will receive a Daytona Cubs Cowbell courtesy of MASCO.
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