Barilea throws first no-hitter since 1988

The Saddleback softball team made history on Wednesday with a 5-0 win over San Diego Mesa College at the Saddleback Diamond.  Pitcher Nelsa Barilea threw the first no-hitter in 28 years as the Gauchos improved to 2-1 on the season.

Barilea was brilliant, striking out three while walking four.  Her no-no bid was in jeopardy in the fourth inning when Mesa outfielder Alyssa McGuire reached base on a fly ball to left-center field that was ruled an error.  It was the first of two times the Olympians would have a runner reach second base, but Mesa failed to score on both occasions, preserving the shutout and no-hitter for Barilea. 

Saddleback scored three times in the second inning when Amanda Padilla doubled home both Nicole Gliko and Samantha Molina and later in the inning Emma Gastelum tripled home Padilla.  The Gauchos would tack on two more runs in the fourth when Drew Moore doubled home Madison Newby, and then Molina doubling home Moore. 

The no-hitter was the first since 1988 when legendary pitcher Patti Taylor threw five no-hitters in one season.  It improved Saddleback's record to 2-1 on the season.

The Gauchos will be back in action on Friday when they host Los Angeles Valley College.  The first pitch is scheduled for 5:00 PM under the lights.