Liam Oates pitched a shortened perfect game and led the Centennial Colts to a 10-0 win against the visiting Sault College Cougars in OCAA action, last Sunday afternoon at Neilson Park.
Centennial’s star righty threw 60 pitches for the Colts (3-0), recording seven strikeouts in a five-inning game that ended early with the mercy rule in effect. It was Oates’ second no-hitter of his college career, and also the first perfect game in Colts baseball history.
“Go after hitters, don’t be scared,” said the second-year pitcher, after the game, about his approach on the mound. “If they hit it, we got defence.”
The Colts also showed out on offence, with both great bats and base running. The team had 10 hits and stole a combined seven bases. Cameron James hit the only double of the game.
Owen Nichols scored a run in each of his four at-bats, and also had three stolen bases himself.
“It’s good, you don’t have to work out of a hole later in the year,” said the sophomore Nichols about their great offence to start the season. “It’s a lot harder to get out of a slump, especially if you haven’t hit (anything) in the first place.”
The Cougars fell to 0-4 after the loss. Owen Daynard gave up seven runs, with four of them earned. He managed one strikeout in the game before being replaced in the fourth inning by Carter Gallivan, who also recorded one strikeout but gave up two earned runs and three total.
The team had six fielding errors overall.
Head coach Ben Anderson remains confident in his team’s abilities, and that there is nothing to worry about.
“You just keep them even-keeled. They’ve been great all week, all of training camp,” said the third-year coach on prepping his team for the next game. “The pitching was unreal this weekend, and we don’t have to change anything. Everything’s cooking.”