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© St. Petersburg Times, published March 28, 2003
It took Gulf 10 games to get its first win of the season, but it came in convincing fashion Wednesday.
Sophomore right-hander Kevin Fagan pitched a seven-inning no-hitter against Zephyrhills, striking out six and walking two in the Buccaneers' 7-0 victory.
"We didn't come close to getting a hit," Bulldogs coach Bruce Cimorelli said. "He did a good job, got us with an offspeed pitch he was locating well all night."
Fagan, who celebrated his 16th birthday Tuesday, followed in the steps of his brother, Joe Dan Fagan, who threw a no-hitter against Lecanto at the Tom Varn Tournament in Brooksville two years ago.
That win gave coach Shaun Wiemer his first win as coach, and Wednesday's was a more long-awaited first win for Wiemer and Fagan's father, pitching coach Dan Fagan.
"I didn't even realize it. So we got the last out, and his dad just came unglued in the seat next to me," Wiemer said.
"I said, 'It sure is great to get that first win,' and he said, 'Win? He threw a no-hitter.' It was a good little celebration on the field."
Three Zephyrhills batters reached on errors, but Wiemer said it was actually strong defense that made the no-hitter possible. The Bulldogs' leadoff batter lined a shot to right-centerfield to open the game. But centerfielder Andy Medina tracked the ball down, setting the tone for the night.
Third baseman Cameron Neptune also kept the no-hitter alive with several strong plays.