Garrett Dill threw a five inning no-hitter and Martin’s baseball squad beat Zion Christian 10-0 Tuesday in its season opener. Zion slipped to 1-2.
Dill walked three and struck out nine in the victory.
“I had Garrett on a 75-pitch limit,” said Martin coach Jon Gambee, “and with two out in the fifth inning and two strikes on the batter, he reached his limit. I let him finish with that hitter with the understanding that it would be his last of the night. He ended up striking the batter out on his 77th pitch.
“We were ahead 8-0 when we came in from the field and I told the team we needed two runs to get Garrett his no-hitter because he was done pitching.”
Martin loaded the bases with one out and senior catcher Caleb Hunderman drove a ball up the gap to score the two runs that were needed.
Martin scored seven runs in the third inning, one in the fourth and the two in the fifth to salt away the victory.
“It was an especially satisfying victory because Zion beat us for the District Championship two years ago, my first year coaching at Martin,” Gambee said. “And because it starts the season off on the right foot.”
Garrett Altman and Tyler Smith both scored twice for Martin. Every Clipper scored at least once except Hunderman. Clipper hits were recorded by Matt Kerley, Altman. Dill, Hunderman, Jake Robinson and Scott Keriey. Martin also stole nine bases without getting thrown out in the game. Altman and Hunderman each had two runs batted in.
The Clippers will play again Friday when the travel to Hastings to play Barry County Christian in a double header.