SOPHOMORE STRIKES OUT 10 IN 9-0 WIN
STORY BY PATRICK MURPHY PHOTOS BY JOE ULLRICH
Gavin Jackson put himself in the Indiana High School Athletic Association ’ s record books June 15 .
The Providence sophomore right-hander became the first pitcher to throw a no-hitter in the 57-year history of the state finals . He struck out 10 and walked three while holding two-time defending state champion Illiana Christian hitless as the Pioneers posted a 9-0 win in the Class 2A state championship game at Victory Field in Indianapolis .
“ It ’ s something that I will tell my grandkids about ,” Jackson said afterward . “ I didn ’ t know I threw the first no-hitter in state history until
( catcher ) Lincoln Kruer told me . I had dreamed of playing at Victory Field every night and it just so happened I threw a no-hitter , so it was awesome .”
TRUSTING IN SUCCESS Before the state final , Jackson and sophomore catcher Lincoln Kruer went through the same warmup they had done all season . The duo stretched , worked with their resistance arm bands and long-tossed before Jackson headed to the mound .
“ We found lots of success in this in the regular season , so we didn ’ t change anything for the postseason ,” he said .
The success of the warmup routine translated exponentially in the first inning . After the Pioneers gave their pitcher a 1-0 lead in the top of the first , Jackson retired the Vikings in order – thanks two flyouts and a strikeout – on only nine pitches in the bottom of the frame .
He did the same in the second inning .
In between innings , Jackson and Kruer sat near each other in the Pioneers ’ dugout . The two also communicated throughout the game .
“ I just had to talk with him when he would get down in counts and walk
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