Shown here playing defense in a previous game, North Duplin right-hander Richard Noble threw his first-ever career no-hitter against Jones Senior on Tuesday afternoon. (Rudy Coggins|mountolivetribune.com)
TRENTON — Richard Noble collected 11 strikeouts and tossed his first career no-hitter during North Duplin’s 13-0, mercy-rule triumph over Jones Senior Tuesday evening.
The senior right-hander retired 10 consecutive batters during a three-inning span. He induced the Trojans into three groundouts, three flyouts and benefited from an inning-ending double play in the second.
Jones Senior stranded two of three base runners in scoring position.
“Richard was really good tonight, extremely proud of his grit on the field,” ND head coach Colton Chrisman said. “He has put in a lot of work on his craft and is being rewarded for that.”
Scoreless through two innings, the unbeaten Rebels scored four runs in each of the third and fourth innings. The visitors profited from five hits, four walks, an error, passed ball and hit batsman during that stretch.
The No. 9 hitter in the order, Brady Byrd batted 2-for-3 with three RBI. His double helped ignite the fourth-inning rally.
Hunt Pate, Noble (RBI), Austin Duff (two RBI), Tyler Johnsey (two RBI) and Erik Rosas (two RBI) each contributed one hit.
“We started a little slow tonight, but found a way to score runs we needed to,” Chrisman said. “[We] still have a lot to work on. [I’m] looking forward to getting better every day with my guys.”
North Duplin (5-0 overall) travels to Lejeune today.
