Slayers Throw Spring No-Hitter

via Minas Morgul Sporting News

MINAS MORGUL - The Slayers' season is in question, but the spring has shown one thing consistently, the team hasn't allowed many hits at all. This week, the team did one better. Celolas, considered a bust by scouts, lead the way by scoring two of the six Slayer runs, going 2-for-2 at the plate, and combining with four relievers to throw a no-hitter against Misty Mountain.

As with almost every no-hitter, there was a great play in the field. Silkpetal snagged a shot to the deep right field gap with a great diving play in the 3rd inning. She also made a good charging catch near the right field line in the 5th.

Celolas threw a one hitter in his prior start and has only one bad outing so far this spring.

The staff as a whole has allowed 76 hits in 108 1/3 innings pitched, a rate of 6.3 H/9. Only two pitchers have shown any real trouble so far. Deneadur is having a terrible spring, allowing a ton of walks and too many hits for his ability. Gandilias would be fine if he can keep the ball in the park. He's given up 7 hits, 4 of them have been homeruns. Mathilda has also had walk problems, but competitor that she is, she's prevented much damage against her.

Of course, the question is: How much of this is the new defensive focus? It could just be a coincedence, but it could also be a real factor.

Offensively, the team has been inconsistent, but it has been good enough so far. Ruano and Gandir are the two RBI leaders on the team, no surprise. Clubwalker has the OPS lead while 2nd place is a real surprise - it's Duane Elylith. Chances are, it won't last, but he seems to be comfortable in the lineup and has shown growth.

Young catcher Denihil has shown some solidity at the plate. A decent, but not great, OPS of .770 would be fine out of the rookie, especially if his defense is as advertised. Mim Marblerage has been good as well with an .897 OPS. A lot of the hitters are making their living with drawing walks, and it will be interesting to see how this plays out as the Spring goes on and into the regular season.

Posted at September 12, 2008 09:43 AM | more from Minas Morgul