After a 12-strikeout performance over the Vasquez Mustangs of Acton in the Heritage League’s season opener, Santa Clarita Christian’s Jacob Trosper followed up his performance with a no-hitter on Thursday over Desert Christian.
“Jacob’s performance last night was special to be a part of and witness him take control on the mound for us like he has all season and his poise on the mound in a high-stakes situation,” Cardinals head coach Ryan Franchimone said.
The Cardinals defeated Desert Christian, 4-0, and in the win, Trosper tallied 16 strikeouts. Franchimone added that Trosper threw for more than 70 strikes.
Franchimone said Trosper has gotten better over the course of the season and that his maturity and leadership on the team has allowed him to have big days in the mound.
Trosper threw for 6.1 perfect innings before an error from the Cardinals’ infield allowed a runner on first base.
Although the perfect bid was over, Franchimone said that the team rallied behind their starting pitcher to make sure they got the job done and got the win.
“The game’s atmosphere last night was loud and intense. The guys handled themselves with sticking to the game plan and not letting the moment get too big,” he said.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, the Cardinals rallied and scored two runs off Zach Peña’s two-run single.
“Zach’s demeanor and poise coming up in a big-time spot to help give us some insurance runs was huge for the team to get a hit in the bottom of the sixth,” said Franchimone.
The Cardinals improved to 5-1 in Heritage League play. With the positive start to the season, Franchimone is looking for the team to keep building upon the momentum into the rest of the league season.
“Coming off the win and the no-hitter is helping our team with momentum into the rest of the Heritage League play,” he said. “The energy is high and the boys are focused and looking forward to the rest of our league games with the momentum we’ve built with a 5-1 record in league so far.”
The Cardinals play again on Monday, March 30, against the Faith Baptist Contenders of Canoga Park at home with first pitch scheduled for 7 p.m.
