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Hender throws<br>first GC no-hitter

PHOENIX — International Studies got a big dose of John Hender in the first game of a doubleheader Saturday morning.

The Grand Canyon hurler was overpowering in an 11-0 victory. Not only did he throw the first known no-hitter in Phantom history, but 14 of the Phoenix school's outs were Hender strikeouts.

Grand Canyon's John Hender threw the first no-hitter in Grand Canyon's known history Saturday with an overpowering performance vs. International Studies.

"John pitched a really good game in the warm weather," Grand Canyon coach Andrew Aldaz said. "He was blowing it by them."

Playing at Peoria Sports Complex, the only International Studies player to reach base made it on-board by getting hit by a pitch. Hender walked nobody.

Grand Canyon had no problems at all offensively. The Phantoms scored every inning and there were hits up and down the lineup.

"Obviously, International Studies didn't have an outstanding team," Aldaz said. "Our whole team hit the ball well and we ran the bases well. This is a big confidence booster."

Jose Diaz-Gonzalez went 3-for-3 with a triple, Mike Vincent was 3-for-4 with a double and two runs and Hender went 2-for-3 with a triple. Andrew Keske had a pair of hits. John Gabaldon, Joe Wilkerson and Trevor Acor also had extra-base hits.

In the second game of the doubleheader, Grand Canyon didn't get the shutout but cruised once again in a 14-1 triumph.

Just as in the first game, the Phantoms scored in every inning and ended the contest early on the 10-run mercy rule.

Diaz-Gonzalez was on the mound this time. International Studies was able to collect just six hits and scored its only run in the third inning when Grand Canyon made four errors.

Diaz-Gonzalez struck out seven for his second win of the season.

"Jose did a really good job. He had a lot of help from teammates," Aldaz said. "They had some hits, but we kept them from scoring."

Vincent had the hot bat again by going 4-for-4 with a double and triple. Diaz-Gonzalez and Hender each went 3-for-4. Thomas Robinson came off the bench and nailed a double.

Grand Canyon's on-field record goes to 3-5 in the region, 5-10 overall. But the Phantoms were given two forfeit victories over Life School to up their official record in the standings to 5-5.

With those recent wins, the Phantoms still have a shot at garnering a playoff spot.

"A lot of teams have been knocking each other off," Aldaz said. "We could still be a playoff team if we can beat Bagdad twice this weekend."

Bagdad will bring a competitive team to Grand Canyon Friday for a doubleheader scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.

There's also home games vs. St. Pauls on April 27 before the regular season ends April 28 at Seligman.

Linescores

Saturday at Phoenix

vs. International Studies

Game 1

Scoring by innings:

Grand Canyon 221 33—11

Internat'l Studies 000 00—0

Note: Game ended after five innings due to mercy rule.

2B—John Gabaldon, Mike Vincent, Trevor Acor. 3B—Jose Diaz-Gonzalez, John Hender, Joe Wilkerson. WP—John Hender (2-4).

Game 2

Scoring by innings:

Grand Canyon 321 71—14

Internat'l Studies 001 00—1

Note: Game ended after five innings due to mercy rule.

2B—Mike Vincent, Thomas Robinson. 3B—Vincent. WP—Jose Diaz-Gonzalez (2-4).


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