by Bryan Ogden
OXFORD, Miss. – Aspen Wesley threw her first career no-hitter on Saturday as No. 24/23 Mississippi State defeated Ole Miss, 4-0. It was the Bulldogs’ first no-hitter in conference play since Stephanie Becker no-hit the Rebels in 2013.
Wesley struck out a career-high nine batters and allowed just three baserunners to reach on walks. She is the third Bulldog to throw a no-hitter this season, which marks the most by State in a season since MSU (19-3, 2-0 SEC) saw three players combine for four no-hitters in 2006.”
Again, I’m super proud of the way this team competes,” head coach Samantha Ricketts said. “They’re confident. They’re poised, and they attack in all phases. Obviously, the no-hitter, Aspen was just in complete control from the beginning and backed up by some great play in the outfield and the timely hitting to get us on the board early again to let her settle in.”
Along the way, Brylie St. Clair and Paige Cook both made diving catches in the outfield to preserve the no-hitter. State scored in the first after Nadia Barbary doubled. The Bulldogs added a run in the second on Salen Hawkins’ sacrifice fly to center field. Madisyn Kennedy homered in the fourth, and Hawkins brought in another with a double in that frame.
Aspen Wesley on throwing her first career no-hitter in her home state…
“I feel like that’s so surreal. I couldn’t have asked for a better place to throw a no-hitter, especially in my home state. This is literally what I’ve worked for my whole life, and I remember when Josey [Marron] and Mata [Faapito] threw their no-hitters, I was so happy for them and their biggest cheerleader ever. That’s all I ever want for this pitching staff. I honestly didn’t even know. I was not looking at that scoreboard. I told myself, ‘Quit looking at that scoreboard. It doesn’t define you. Who cares? Just go out there and do what you can do best, which is spin the ball.’ That’s what I did today. I remember praying last night. I was telling myself and praying to God, whatever happens today, happens. I just pray that you take these nerves away because no matter what my teammates have got me.
