by Jules Gonsoulin

sports editor

While most Millsaps students were at home or traveling, enjoying spring break, the Majors baseball team was making conference history against Illinois Wesleyan, as senior Nathan Harrel and freshman James Perkins combined to throw a no hitter—the first in SAA conference history. Harrel pitched the first four innings of the day and Perkins rounded out the final five innings. For their exceptional play, they have been awarded the SAA co-pitchers of the week award. The achievement was a team effort, though: William Chenoweth managed to preserve the historic no hitter with a diving catch in the eighth inning.

For those not particularly baseball savvy, no hitters are incredibly rare. To be awarded a no hitter, a pitcher or pitching staff must manage to allow no earned hits. A walk does not spoil a no hitter, however. Illinois Wesleyan got one walk against the Majors, which led to its sole run of the game.

The Majors scored in the second, third and sixth innings, with runs credited to Blake Littlejohn, Isaac Glenn and Logan Patterson. They finished the game with the final score of 3-1.

With his contribution against the Titans, James Perkins added to his already sterling freshman record. When it comes to the no hitter, he says humbly, “I didn’t even realize we were throwing a no hitter until I looked at the scoreboard in the ninth. But it feels great, we couldn’t have done it without the great defense behind us.”

The Majors’ next home game is March 29 against Berry College. The first pitch is set for 3 p.m.