The last time Shaeffer Hall threw a no-hitter, he was just beginning to drive.

Now the junior starter from Lee Summit, Mo., will be in the driver’s seat this season after throwing a no-hitter Friday afternoon against Air Force.

“That was a remarkable feat, he was absolutely outstanding,” coach Ritch Price said. “He was in command of all four pitchers and ahead in the count.”

Hall said the last time he threw a no-hitter was his junior year in high school. This one understandably meant a little more to Hall, but maintaining a modest and humble approach.

“This time was a little more special, going nine innings,” Hall said. “I’m pretty excited about it.”

The 5-0 shutout of Air Force was the lone highlight of the weekend. Among numerous delays due to weather and the length of other teams competing that weekend, Kansas dropped the next two games in close, disappointing contests.

“That’s the three best games we’ve ever pitched to open a season,” Price said. “Certainly we didn’t swing the bats as good as I thought we would.”

But the standout of the weekend was obviously Hall. His no-hitter only counts as one victory, and the two losses put sour end to the weekend, but no-hitters don’t happen very often in Kansas history.

In fact it’s only seventh no-hitter in the program’s history, and the fifth individual no-hitter. The last time a Kansas pitcher went the distance in a no-hitter was David Hicks vs. Northwest Missouri State way back in 1980.

Hall will now have his named etched into the record books for all time, a place Price is proud to see his new staff ace.

“They (Kansas defense) played great behind him (Hall),” Price said. “But he was absolutely special.”

WEEKEND WRAP-UP

Kansas 5, Air Force 0

Besides the obvious contributions from Hall, Price was pleased with his team’s hitting and defense to back its starter.

“I was pleased with the production through the lineup,” Price said. “That’s the only way this team this team can be a solid offensive club.”

Sophomore third baseman Tony Thompson and sophomore designated hitter Jimmy Waters combined to go 4-7 with an RBI apiece batting in the middle of the order

“It was good to see Tony Thompson get a clutch hit,” Price said.

Price also said that the middle infield of junior David Narodowski and junior Robby Price saved the no-hitter on three occasions.

“There’s an old adage that when you throw a no-hitter you need two or three outstanding plays behind you,” Price said. “Narodowski took two hits away, and (Price) took away a hit at second base.”

Memphis 5, Kansas 4

A valiant comeback to support an impressive start was only damped by the most reliable pitcher on the roster not coming through.

Kansas senior closer Paul Smyth gave up three runs in the bottom of the ninth after Kansas had just rallied to score four runs in the previous two innings.

“I was really pleased with the way we competed,” Price said. “Unfortunately we weren’t able to close the deal.”

Sophomore T.J. Walz threw a gem as he went seven innings giving up only one earned run while striking out seven. Price raved about his performance against a quality Memphis club.

“I was thrilled with Walz,” Price said. “That’s a very good baseball team (Memphis) and he pitches seven innings holding them to two runs.”

Walz was just thankful to be able to stay in the game. He said he had been struggling to keep his pitch count down in the fall.

“It’s a nice confidence booster, because I was having a little trouble going deep counts in the fall,” Walz said. “It was nice to keep my pitch count down and go deep into a game.”

Memphis 2, Kansas 1

This game followed a familiar tune to the previous game, except this time the Jayhawk hitters weren’t able to rally for the lead in late innings, despite having opportunities to do so.

“Today was hard to watch,” Price said. “We didn’t do a very good job of putting the ball in play.”

Especially with the chance that Kansas had to pull our a win for junior Cameron Selik, who pitched an effective six and one third innings. The Jayhawks had two runner on with one out, and the 3-4 hitters in the lineup, Price and Narodowski, struck out the end the inning and the threat. Kansas as a team only finished with three hits total.

But Price is hopeful in the performance from Selik, and believes it’s a sign of things to come.

“We really like what he brings to the table and he’s a very mature guy,” Price said. “He got into trouble and got out of trouble (today) and that’s what quality pitchers have to do.”

— — Edited by Sam Speer