One could forgive Christian Sauska if he was a little more amped up than usual. It was the last time in his prep career he would pitch against St. Charles – a team his Newman Greenies had lost 12 consecutive games to dating back a full decade.
But sometimes being conveniently wild can work out in your favor. It certainly did for the senior pitcher on Friday night at Avenger Field.
Although he walked four and hit a batter, Sauska pitched a five-inning no-hitter in a 10-0 victory that was shortened due to the mercy rule. And as dominating as he has been at times throughout the past three seasons, it was the first time in his prep career he took the bump as a starter and didn’t allow a hit.
“It feels great to get a win like that in the way that we did it against a really good team,” said Sauska, who struck out six Comets. “It means everything, but we’re not done yet. I never thought I would get my first no-no in this fashion – in a run-rule game – I wasn’t even out there for the last pitch.”
He wasn’t out there because of the ridiculous fifth inning the Greenies (12-6) put up.
They chased starter Landree LeBlanc from the game three batters into the decisive inning after he had allowed a single to Tanner Robert, hit Jack Falgoust with a pitch and a bunt single by Charles Wilson to load the bases in a 3-0 game.
Briggs Anderson came in relief, And Sauska drive in a run on a ground ball to third that should have been the first out. Instead, it was misplayed, and the bases remained juiced. Collier Villere then hit an RBI ground out that made it 5-0 and put runners on second and third.
Then, on a 2-0 count, Atticus Lafleur dispatched of nearly all of the remaining drama with a three-run homer just left of center field. Robert, who started the inning with a basehit, ended it on a two-out, RBI double over the head of centerfielder Kole Hurst to complete the 10-run mercy rule.
Lafleur finished with five RBIs on two hits.
To say this was one Coach Pat Adams wanted would be a massive understatement.
Not only had he lost all nine games against St. Charles, but the Greenies hadn’t won in the series since March 29, 2016, and had lost the 12 consecutive games by an aggregate score of 101-36, including 15-0 last season.
“I would be lying if I said it wasn’t special. That school – that organization – (St. Charles coach) Wayne (Stein) – year in and year out is one of the best,” Adams said. “When you’re able to play that well against a team like that, it is special. I am so happy for the seniors. I couldn’t be happier for them.”
One of the key moments came early on, and it could have been the moment Sauska settled down a bit.
Immediately after the Greenies had taken a 2-0 lead, Dax Pregeant led off the top of the second inning with a six-pitch walk. But catcher Charles Wilson ended that threat by throwing out Pregeant on a steal attempt, and Sauska then struck out four of the next 10 hitters.
“It could have been a game-changing play, because they didn’t do anything the rest of the game,” said Wilson, who also went 3-for-3 with a double. “I had never been a part of a no-hitter. We have been very close – last time Christian pitched he lost a perfect game in the sixth inning (against Haynes on March 11). – so we’re really excited about this one.”
LINESCORE
St. Charles – 000 00 – 0 | 0 | 2
Newman – 201 07 – 10 | 8 | 0
LEADING HITTTERS
St. Charles (15-6): None.
Newman (12-6): Atticus Lafleur, 2-3, HR, 2B, 5RBIs, R; Charles Wilson, 3-3, 3B (CR Thomas Smallpage 3R); Tanner Robert, 2-3, 2B, RBI, R.
DECIDING PITCHERS
WP: Christian Sauska (4-1), 5 IP, 0 R, 0 H, 4 BB, 6 K.
LP: Landree LeBlanc, 4+ IP, 6 R, 6 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 4 K.
Time of game: 1:24. Temperature at 1st pitch: 72.