Marysville pitcher Jayden Drake (30) throws a pitch during his no-hitter on Friday, June 14, in a 4-0 win over Vallejo. Photo by Bill Ollar

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - History was made on Friday, June 14, at Bryant Park in Marysville as fans were treated to the third no-hitter in Pecos League history, and it was thrown by a Drake. 

Marysville pitcher Jayden Drake tossed the no-hitter against the Vallejo Seaweed in the 4-0 victory and expressed to the Dispatch that it was a humbling experience.

 Marysville pitcher Jayden Drake (30) tosses a pitch during the 4-0 victory against Vallejo on Friday, June 14. Photo by Bill Ollar

“Early on in the game it was a huge focus to stay consistent and hammer the strike zone,” Drake said. He added that towards the end of the game, the main focus was to slow the game down and simplify things.

Drake pounded the strike zone as he threw 85 of his 120 pitches for strikes (70%). He added eight strikeouts and walked two batters on the night.

Drake was first to point out to the Dispatch that he couldn’t have accomplished the no-no without spectacular defensive play.

Marysville manager Bill Rogan and Drake said that there were a couple of defensive plays that kept the game hitless.

Rogan said he thought a ball towards the right foul line in the fifth was going to drop, but outfielder John Smith made a great catch to snag a hit away.

 Marysville outfielder Caleb Harmond (3) looks at the flight of his grand slam in the bottom of the first inning against Vallejo on Saturday, June 15, in the Drakes’ 10-7 win. Photo by Steven Bryla

“It looked like it could have dropped, but Jayden had a great night on the mound,” Rogan said.

Rogan and Drake added that infielder Josh Leslie made a miraculous play at shortstop for the second out of the inning.

Marysville catcher J.D. Leslie had the best seat in the house as he caught from behind the plate and saw every play unfold.

 Marysville outfielder Joe Starick (44) connects with a pitch during the Drakes’ 10-7 victory over Vallejo on Saturday, June 15. Photo by Steven Bryla

Leslie told the Dispatch he didn’t realize Drake hadn’t given up a hit until he threw the ball down to second to start the sixth inning.

“I threw the ball down and took a look at the scoreboard and saw zeroes on Vallejo,” J.D. said. He added that he started thinking about Drake’s pitch count and there was a possibility of doing something special.

He added that no-hitters are rare as much as the Loch Ness monster being a reality, but it wasn’t possible without the other seven fielders behind Drake on the mound.

Drake told the Dispatch all of the unwritten rules were followed by everyone on the bench as in nobody mentioned the hitless Seaweed and he followed his normal pitching routine in between innings of sitting on the bench.

“We didn’t escalate anything and kept it neutral,” Drake said.

Rogan was excited to be a part of Pecos League history as this was the second no-hitter for the Pecos League within the last couple weeks as Vallejo was no-hit against San Rafael on June 6.

On Saturday, June 15, the Seaweed got their first hit in the top of the third inning and were able to focus on something else other than getting a hit.

The Drakes won 10-7 on June 15 after they had blasted eight runs across the board in the first inning, and outfielder Caleb Harmond hit a grand slam.

Harmond told the Dispatch post-game that he was just staying level with the ball and said he isn’t a power hitter, but was able to catch it well off the bat.

“The goal was to let it travel and catch a barrel,” Harmond said. Harmond had seven hits from last week and is seeing the ball well from the pitcher’s hand.

As play finished on June 15, Marysville was 7-3 in their last 10 games, and the Drakes’ were clicking.

Leslie, Harmond and Drake attested the recent success to camaraderie, and Drake used the example of his arrival to the team: all of the returning players were open arms and instantly tried to form a relationship.

Harmond added that everyone is buying in as a whole and doing their parts (playing their roles), and at the end of the day coming together as brothers is what helps winning.

Rogan told the Dispatch that he has seen an improvement through hitting and defensive play. He added that the health of players has made this a more dynamic ball club.

Additionally, former Marysville pitcher Noah Lewis was called up to the Pioneer League and is now a member of the Yolo High Wheelers.

Marysville was in third place of the Pacific Division (11-10) as play started this week. The Drakes had three games scheduled on the road this week in San Rafael and Martinez.

Marysville hosted Vallejo this past Wednesday and are scheduled to host Martinez tomorrow, Saturday, June 22, with first pitches at 6:30 p.m. 

 Marysville infielder Declan Peterson (7) tags out a Vallejo runner attempting to steal second on Saturday, June 15, in the Drakes’ 10-7 win. Photo by Steven Bryla