Another no-hitter? This one no small feat

August 22nd, 2021

Eli Jones, welcome to the history books.

Jones, out of Eastlake Little League in Washington, became the first player to toss a solo no-hitter of six-plus innings since 2015 in the Little League World Series on Saturday, keeping Martin County North Little League from Florida at bay during a 1-0 win.

Jones, 12, struck out five during his masterpiece, issuing two walks over six innings, and became the first player since 2015 to carry the load by himself. In a Major League season that has seen eight no-hitters -- and nearly a ninth on Saturday -- Jones was also up to the task.

Not only did Jones turn in a gem on the mound, but he also helped himself at the plate, driving in the only run of the game in the fifth inning to round out the all-time performance.

Jones’ no-no was the second no-hit effort in Williamsport, as Gavin Weir and Cason Mediger threw a combined no-hitter for South Dakota in the tournament’s opener. Weir came one out short of going wire-to-wire, going 5 2/3 innings before giving way to Mediger due to pitch-count limitations.