Twins prospects Austin Schulfer and Jose Martinez combined to throw a seven-inning no-hitter as Cedar Rapids topped Burlington, 9-0, to split a Wednesday doubleheader.
After dropping the first game, 5-4, Cedar Rapids' offense erupted in Game 2, but the pitching was the real story.
Schulfer, a 19th-round pick from last year’s Draft, has pitched to a 2.41 ERA through 11 appearances this season and was making just his third start of the year. The 23-year-old had given up four earned runs over seven innings in his first two starts this season, but was clearly much more dominant this time out.
Schulfer struck out seven and faced just one over the minimum over his five innings on the mound. After walking the second batter he faced, Schulfer retired 14 straight before handing the ball off to Martinez.
Martinez, who signed with the Twins in 2013, has had his fair share of struggles this season and had surrendered seven runs over his last three appearances (three innings) entering Wednesday. However, the 22-year-old was lights out against Burlington and threw 16 of his 24 pitches for strikes.
Martinez retired all six batters he faced, two via strikeout, to complete the 15th no-hitter in Kernels history. It’s also the Kernels' first no-no since Edvar Colina and Jovani Moran combined to throw one on May 1, 2018.