HENDERSONVILLE The Hendersonville High baseball team produced more than enough runs in its first turn at-bat, and senior starting pitcher Will Wacaser did the rest, tossing his first no-hitter in Tuesday evening’s 14-0, five-inning victory over visiting Portland at Drakes Creek Park.
Will Wacaser
“I felt real good,” Wacaser – an Austin Peay State University signee – said. “My command was on. When my stuff is on, I feel on top of the world. When my stuff is on, my velocity is on. It was there tonight. I felt like I threw it by a couple of people.”
Wacaser (3-1) issued one base on balls and struck out nine hitters.
“I’m proud of him,” Commando head coach Mike Hendrix said. “I couldn’t be more proud. If he pitches well, I’m a good coach.
“He went through a lot over the last year trying to find his command. He’s done a good job. I’m happy for him. I hope he keeps it going.”
Hendersonville (15-3 overall, 4-1 in District 9-AAA) erupted for seven runs in both the first and second innings.
Seniors Brandon Fuller and Jon Swindle singled in first-inning runs, and classmate Ian MacMaster and sophomore Austin Mays drove in runs with sacrifice flies.
Hendersonville High senior first baseman Brandon Fuller flips to senior starting pitcher Will Wacaser for the final out of the top of the second inning.
Two errors and three walks contributed to the second-inning output. Swindle singled in another run in the second.
The Panthers (7-9, 0-5) had four baserunners – three via errors – and senior Hunter Read drew a leadoff walk in the fourth inning.
Portland High senior Hunter Read runs to first base during second-inning action.
“I looked up at the scoreboard in the fourth (inning),” Wacaser said of realizing he had the no-hitter intact. “I was like, ‘that’s pretty good.’
“One of my teammates (Swindle) said, ‘you’ve got a no-hitter.’ I thought he jinxed me.”
Reach Craig Harris at charris@mtcngroup.com or at 615-575-7138. Follow him on Twitter @HarrisGNESports.
Portland 000 00 – 0 0 3
Hendersonville 770 0x – 14 7 4
Austin Graves, Brandon Tucker (2) and Kemper Dixon; Will Wacaser and Cooper Brenning, Noah Owens (4). WP – Wacaser (3-1). LP – Graves (2-3). Records: Portland 7-9 overall, 0-5 in District 9-AAA; Hendersonville 15-3, 4-1.