GV’s Nannini fires second straight no-hitter

Spencer Patterson

Friday, May 8, 1998 | 7:20 a.m.

Mike Nannini got Green Valley's state title defense off to a perfect start in Thursday's zone playoff opener.

The senior right-hander threw his second no-hitter in as many outings, leading the five-time defending Nevada 4A champs to an 11-0, six-inning victory over Bonanza at Durango High School.

"I didn't think at all I could get two (no-hitters) in a row, but it's a great feeling," said Nannini, who threw a five-inning gem last Wednesday against Basic. "My fastball felt pretty good, but my off-speed stuff was the key today."

Nannini struck out nine batters and walked only one. The only other baserunner against him reached on an error.

The game's critical play occurred during the top of the first inning, although it didn't seem like it at the time.

Bengals third baseman Bryan Hughes tried to make a diving catch in foul territory, suffering an injury. The senior was forced to leave the game, and the Bengals (16-15) brought right fielder Lance Quaney in to play third -- a substitution that would come back to haunt the visitors.

With Nannini and Bonanza junior Mike Tabeek engaged in a scoreless pitchers' duel, Gator Dan Krynzel sent a slow grounder to third with two outs in the fourth. The ball went through Quaney's legs, paving the way for a seven-run Green Valley explosion.

"That error was critical for them," said Green Valley coach Rodger Fairless, whose club takes a 27-2 record into today's game with Cimarron-Memorial. "They played a good ballgame until that mistake."

Dave Jensen's three-run homer to right-center was the inning's big blow, and two innings later Mike Stratton ended the game with a three-run blast of his own.

Senior Joe Orloski will take the mound for the Gators today. His likely opponent will be Spartans' junior Mike Luczynski.

* Bishop Gorman 4, Basic 0: Senior right-hander Paul Wurts scattered three hits in a complete-game victory as the Gaels advanced to take on rival Durango for the third time this season. "I felt relaxed coming in," Wurts said. "Pitching under pressure is my thing." Senior Eric Wise tossed an outstanding game himself for the Wolves (12-15), but a bloop single by Gorman's Dallas Pollaro plated a pair of runs in the fourth to break a scoreless tie. "Every team in this tournament has at least one pitcher who has the potential to stick it in your hat," said Gorman coach Tim Chambers, whose club moved to 23-5. "I expect another competitive game tomorrow." Senior Jason Van Meetren will pitch for the Gaels tonight against Durango senior Chris Bannister.

* Durango 11, Silverado 1: The hosts cruised to victory behind an eight-run fourth inning that saw the Trailblazers (25-7) pound out five consecutive doubles. "We're playing our best baseball of the year," Durango coach Mike Gomez said. "But if you would have told me we'd win 11-1 prior to this one, I would have laughed in your face." Senior right-hander Scott Yahraus limited the Skyhawks (19-9) to three hits in a six-inning complete game. Third baseman Chris Kelly swung a big bat for the victors, going 3-for-3 with a pair of doubles and three RBIs to pace the 13-hit attack.

* Cimarron-Memorial 1, Chaparral 0: Mike Luczynski belted a solo home run in the first inning and fellow junior Mike Esposito made it stand up, pitching a complete-game, two-hit shutout. Esposito struck out 11 and walked four to outduel Cowboy counterpart Brett Bollman, who scattered five hits over six innings. The Spartans improved to 19-7 while Chaparral fell to 17-9.