No matter the circumstances, no-hitters in baseball are always an outstanding individual and team achievement. When a no-hitter is thrown in a close game, it’s all the more impressive. Drew Santana threw a no-hitter against Highline as Hazen (Renton, Wash.) won 2-0. Santana, a junior, followed that up with three runs scored at the plate against Foster later in the week.
Santana’s performance leads the American Family Insurance ALL-USA Performances of the Week.
The rest of top performances as the winter seasons begins to wrap up and spring sports begin around the nation:
Harry Rutkowski, baseball, Woodbridge (New Jersey)
South Amboy hitters had their hands full facing Rutkowski, as the Woodbridge pitcher struck out 12 of the 16 batters he faced in five innings of work. He only allowed one hit in the 9-0 win.
Sophia Swain, softball, Inglemoor (Washington)
Inglemoor defeated Mount Si 17-6, and Swain played a huge role in sparking the offense. Swain hit two home runs and drove in seven RBIs. Inglemoor defeated Issaquah 15-1 later in the week, and Swain contributed with two doubles, three runs scored and an RBI.
Hunter Milligan, baseball, Greenbrier (Arkansas)
Milligan threw a complete game no-hitter in a close 1-0 win over Maumelle last week, striking out 12 batters. He also made the difference on offense, driving in the game’s lone run.
Jadyn Easley, girls soccer, Ozark (Missouri)
As Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy was closing in on Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s record of 10 straight Premier League games with a goal (a record he eventually broke), he said when a striker is on a scoring run, it feels like every touch is going to be a goal.
A striker needs that confidence, confidence that Easley has in spades right now. Easley scored six goals and had five assists in comfortable wins over Parkview, West Plains and Harrison (Arkansas) last week.
Lael Lockhart, baseball, Friendswood (Texas)
Lockhart had a perfect week at the plate last week, going 7-for-7 with five RBI, three runs and a home run.
Brooke McCormick, softball, Broadneck (Maryland)
McCormick was dominant in two victories against Glen Burnie and Old Mill last week. McCormick struck out a combined 24 batters and didn’t allow a run.
Tyler Petit, baseball, Rosman (North Carolina)
Petit was a consistent playmaker in three games last week. He went 7-for-11 and drove in seven runs in wins over Robbinsville, Brevard and Swain County. Petit hit a home run and had a double, three walks and three runs scored.
Torie Sullivan, girls lacrosse, Watterson (Ohio)
Watterson defeated Westerville Central 14-5 and Gahanna 15-5 last week, and Sullivan, a junior attack, played an instrumental role in the two wins. Sullivan scored seven goals, had two assists and won 12 draws. She followed up that performance with five goals and three assists in the win against Gahanna.
Mac Gates, boys lacrosse, St. Ignatius (California)
Gates came up huge in a close 7-5 win over national No. 3 Chaminade (New York). Gates saved 11 shots in the win and held the Chaminade scoreless in the fourth quarter. St. Ignatius scored three unanswered goals to seal the comeback win.