Spartan Tosses No Hitter

AURORA, Ill. April 15, 2009 - Aurora University junior pitcher Steve Salazar (Carol Stream, IL/Glenbard West H.S.) emulated a feat achieved by AU pitching coach Alex Chapple less than four years ago, throwing a no-hitter against Benedictine University on Wednesday evening at AU’s Solfisburg Park.

In his stellar performance against Benedictine, an AU 14-0 victory in seven innings, Salazar struck out nine and allowed just two base runners, both which reached via base on balls. “Steve was dominant from the start, throwing all three of his pitches for strikes,” said Spartan Head Coach Shaun Neitzel.

"I noticed they didn't have any hits in the fourth, when I looked at the scoreboard to check a count. From then on I just started counting outs and trying not to get too excited about it,” Salazar said.

“It was a special having Alex (Chapple) on staff and him developing Steve and his off speed pitches the last couple seasons. Coming against our big rival (no-hitters) makes it a little more special and for our seniors to have been a part of three no-hitters in four seasons (two against Benedictine) is something special,” Neitzel added.

"None of guys (his teammates) were even looking me in the eyes, let alone talking to me from the fifth inning on,” Salazar said. “No one wanted to jinx me. So, I just sat there, actually not wanting anyone to talk to me and possibly jinx it (the no-hitter).”

Overall on the season, Salazar is 4-2 with a 2.09 era, 51 strikeouts and only 32 hits allowed in 43 innings. The Spartans are currently 17-6 overall and 7-2 in the Northern Athletics Conference.

The Spartan baseball team is in action next on Thursday, April 16, when they host to Elmhurst College. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m. in Aurora, IL at Solfisburg Park.

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