Hector Alejandro had a tough personal act to follow on Saturday night for the Norwich Sea Unicorns.
The former Sacred Heart High standout and current UConn right-hander was on the bump again for Norwich in a Futures Collegiate Baseball League of New England matchup against the Vermont Lake Monsters. Alejandro had thrown a no-hitter in his previous start, something only one other individual had done over nine innings in an FCBL game since its inception in 2011. Alejandro was named FCBL Pitcher of the Week for his efforts in the 3-1 win over the Worcester Bravehearts on July 20.
With another no-hitter, Alejandro would enter the same stratosphere as Johnny Vander Meer. For those who don’t know, Vander Meer hurled back-to-back no-hitters while pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in 1938. Vander Meer is the only man in major league history to do so.
Alejandro isn’t in the major leagues, but tossing back-to-back no-nos in any league is an incredible feat.
Ok, so Alejandro didn’t throw a second straight no-hitter, but he did record his fifth win against zero losses. Alejandro pitched six innings and gave up a run on three hits and one walk while piling up nine strikeouts. He threw 57 of his 90 pitches for strikes and lowered his season ERA to 2.16 in a 3-1 victory. Alejandro’s nine strikeouts were a season-best.
