East Liverpool senior Jake Smith threw a no-hitter against East Palestine in a dominant 15-0 win in five innings on Friday. Smith, the Potters’ number one pitcher, delivered a stellar performance that left his coach and teammates in awe.
Coach Brian May praised Smith’s consistency on the mound, highlighting his four years of solid pitching for the team. Smith, who was unaware of his no-hitter until the end of the game, expressed his excitement and gratitude for the accomplishment.
Despite coming close to a perfect game, an error by a teammate prevented Smith from achieving that feat. Nevertheless, Smith’s impressive stat line of 37 strikes in 47 pitches, seven strikeouts, and no walks solidified his stellar performance.
The Potters’ offensive prowess was also on display, with Malachi Reed leading the charge with four RBIs. The team’s improved hitting performance was a positive sign for Coach May, who noted the difference from their previous game.
On the other side, East Palestine struggled with a young and inexperienced roster, compounded by injuries to key players. The Bulldogs faced challenges early in the season but remained determined to improve and compete.
The game took place at the newly named Ace of Diamonds Sports Complex, signaling potential changes and upgrades to the facility in the future. Both teams will look to build on their performances in upcoming games, with East Liverpool facing Wheeling Park and East Palestine taking on Wellsville next.
Overall, Smith’s no-hitter and the Potters’ dominant win provided an exciting start to the season, while East Palestine’s resilience in the face of adversity showcased their determination to overcome challenges.