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History was made on Saturday as LMU pitcher Cory Abbott retired 27 consecutive batters to record the first perfect game in school history.
In the final game versus conference rival Brigham Young University (BYU), the Lions looked to top the Cougars in a series for the first time in almost four years. Saturday was the rubber match between the two teams, and LMU certainly delivered.
The game was tied at zero for the first five and a half innings, with Phil Caulfield and Niko Decolati picking up two hits apiece. Though LMU’s hitting was able to score two runs, the focus of the game was on the pitchers.
Junior Cory Abbott threw the first perfect game in the history of LMU’s program, and only the third no-hitter. The last time the Lions no-hit an opponent, it was from current pitching coach Matt Florer in 2013. This was the 26th perfect game in NCAA history.
Abbott shut down BYU’s offense with 13 strikeouts and only 106 pitches. Of those 106 pitches, 79 were strikes. Only four batters drew three balls from Abbott.
This win was especially sweet after seeing the power and capability of BYU’s hitters. The Cougars picked up 10 hits on both the Thursday and Friday outings.
Cory Abbott was named collegiate baseball’s national player of the week. LMU also swept Rawlings’ pitcher and player of the week, with Abbott and Phil Caulfield snagging the honors.
Abbott’s record now improves to 4-1. The Lions now have a 13-10 overall record, and a 4-2 record in conference play.
The Lions take a break from WCC action as they face UC Irvine away this Tuesday. They return home to play conference opponent Pacific this weekend, with games on Friday and Saturday at 6:00 pm, and a game on Sunday with a 1:00 pm start.
For ticket and schedule information, go here.
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