North Carolina State University Athletics
Devine Contributes to USA No-Hitter
6/24/2004 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
June 24, 2004
Durham, N.C. - It was only one inning of work, but it's probably an inning Joey Devine won't ever forget. Pitching for the U.S. National Team, the NC State reliever was one of five hurlers who combined on a historic no-hitter in the USA's 9-0 victory over the Canadian National Team Thursday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. It is believed to be the first no-hitter ever thrown by a U.S. squad in international competition.
In an overpowering performance, Devine took full advantage of his opportunity to shine by striking out all three men he faced in the 8th inning. That came after starter Ian Kennedy (USC), Ryan Mullins (Vanderbilt) and Luke Hochever (Tennessee) had held Canada hitless over the first seven innings. Following Devine's heroics in the 8th, UC Irvine's Blair Erickson pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning to finish off the rare feat.
Devine, a first-team All-ACC selection in his first two years with the Wolfpack, is hoping to make the final 20-man roster that will represent the United States in the World University games in late July.
Team USA and Canada will play two more games in Durham on Friday and Saturday nights, with both games set to begin at 7:00 p.m.
Wolfpack head coach Elliott Avent is an assistant coach on this year's national team.
