Spartans' John Kukuruda tops Los Molinos, Esparto and Biggs without giving up a hit.
East Nicolaus (Nicolaus) senior pitcher John Kukuruda tied a California state record with his third consecutive no-hitter in the Spartans' 11-0 win over Los Molinos on Friday.
Kukuruda, 5-2 on the season, tied Lloyd Allen of Selma, who had three no-hitters in 1967, according to the Cal-Hi Sports Record Book. Kukuruda went five innings and gave up no runs on no hits with 11 strikeouts, two walks and one hit batsman.
Kukuruda began his streak on April 16 with a 10-0 five-inning victory over Esparto. He struck out 11, walked none and hit one batter in that win.
Kukuruda got his second no-hitter in a 10-0 six-inning win over Biggs on April 23. He fanned 10 batters and walked two to claim the victory.
In 48 2/3 innings pitched this year, Kukuruda has struck out 85 batters and has a 1.87 ERA. The Spartans are 20-3 on the season.
The Spartan's next game is scheduled to be played at Raley Field following the conclusion of the Rivercats' day game at approximately 5 p.m.
Kukuruda has reportedly been chosen to start the game, but will likely go only two innings in order to give other Spartan pitchers the opportunity to pitch at Raley Field, according to East Nicolaus athletic director Darren Brown.
Kukuruda could also pitch in the Spartans' final outing of the season, which is May 7 at Hamilton.
