Casey Costello was one out away from the first complete-game no-hitter in Chico State baseball history in his final start of the regular season at Cal Poly Pomona. A bloop single ended his bid for history.
In Thursday's California Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament opener, the Wildcats' ace fired seven no-hit innings against that same Cal Poly Pomona team in a performance that will be remembered as fondly as any no-hitter might have been to earn Wildcat of the Week honors.
Costello gave up two runs on four hits in the first inning of a crucial conference tournament opener for the Wildcats, who needed a win to cement their standing as an NCAA Championship Touranment team. But the senior settled in after that, retiring 16 in a row at one point. His seven-strikeout, one-walk performance will be remembered as much for its effort as it will be for its effectiveness.
"I'm overwhelmed with the toughness he showed tonight, understanding what's at stake this weekend and next weekend," Chico State Head Coach Dave Taylor said. "That was an unbelievably gutty performance from Casey."
Costello got a no-decision for his efforts, but the Wildcats won the game in walk-off fashion in the bottom of the ninth. Three days later, they were chosen for the NCAA Championship Tournament field for the 18th time in 25 years.
Costello, who boasts the best career winning percentage in school history at 18-2, will likely get the ball when the Wildcats open NCAA Tournament play Thursday at 3 p.m.
