Photo courtesy NJ Baseball
Jeb Stefan was making just his fourth start of his career for class A Lakewood Blue Claws, the Phillies low-A affiliate. Facing the Rome Braves, Stefan did not allow a hit through six innings. Not fully stretched out to go much further, Blue Claws manager Mickey Morandini made the difficult decision to take Stefan out of the game.
Innings seven and eight were pitched by Ramon Oviedo. Oviedo was just recalled from the Williamsport Crosscutters. Despite having a tough 2012 with the Blue Claws, Oviedo got all six batters he faced out, striking out four.
In came reliever Chris Burgess to pitch the ninth. Burgess was selected by the Phillies in the 26th round of just the 2013 draft. Despite a leadoff walk, Burgess was good enough to get the final three outs to preserve the no-hitter for the Blue Claws.
The lone run was driven in by Phillies outfield prospect Carlos Tocci. The final was 1-0 Lakewood. The no-hitter was the first at Lakewood since Keith Bucktrot pitched one back in 2001. There have been four no-hitters in Lakewood's history.
