On April 1, no kidding, Mat Bruno Jr. did something every kid dreams of — he threw a no-hitter — on Rye Little League opening day.
On April 1, no kidding, Mat Bruno Jr. did something every kid dreams of — he threw a no-hitter — on Rye Little League opening day.
Originally slated for March 31, the season opener was pushed to Sunday due to rain.
Mat was dominant on the mound for the Braves, striking out 16 of the 18 Phillies’ batters he faced, with a pitch count of only 75.
“It was getting close in the 6th,” said his dad, Mat Sr., one of the team’s coaches. “He was at 65 and Coach Lavelle and I discussed our options and what was best for him. Luckily he pulled through with some to spare.”
He also scored two of the runs in the 5-0 win. Deco Lavelle also contributed two, and Victor Gomez one. Bruno, 12, is a second-year player with the league and last year’s Rye Tournament Teams starting shortstop. This year the seventh grader plays on the Rye Middle School modified team.
“As a dad I am so excited to see him perform well. As a coach I am thrilled,” said Coach Bruno, who also coaches the Rye Garnets JV Squad.