Hernandez no-hitter lifts McArthur to 1st final four

Mustangs eliminate defending champion St. Thomas Aquinas

HOLLYWOOD — As a former major leaguer, McArthur coach Oddibe McDowell knows a little bit about what it takes to succeed at a high level. One key is quality starting pitching, which George Hernandez delivered at the highest level.

Hernandez tossed a no-hitter to defeat St. Thomas Aquinas 2-0 in Wednesday’s Class 8A regional final at home, vanquishing the defending state champions and propelling the Mustangs to the state tournament for the first time in school history.

McArthur (15-5) will play in a state semifinal game May 29 at 7 p.m. against Plant City at CenturyLink Sports Complex – Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.

Hernandez faced just one batter over the minimum, retiring the side in order the last five innings. He walked three and struck out eight, including seven of the last nine batters he faced.

“My curveball and off-speed [pitches] were working tonight,” Hernandez said. “I came into this game knowing [St. Thomas] doesn’t hit off-speed so I just came in with that.”

The Mustangs’ offense got Hernandez all the support he would need in the fifth inning. With one out, Josue Figueroa beat out a single down the third-base line. That was followed by Kevin Iler’s single to right and Joseph Perez loaded the bases on a bunt single. The next pitch, with Hernandez at the plate, sailed wide of the Aquinas (24-4) catcher allowing Figueroa to scamper home.

McArthur tacked on in the bottom of the sixth on Yordis Valdez’ single to left.

The win was especially sweet for McDowell, a McArthur alum who played for part of 10 seasons in the big leagues for Texas, Cleveland and Atlanta. McDowell is one of a handful of major leaguers to hit for the cycle, but said that Wednesday’s historic victory ranks right up with that accomplishment.

“Because it’s these kids it is absolutely awesome,” McDowell said. “Because I know the desire as a kid myself. For them to attain this I am really ecstatic. I’m elevated and lifted up and I am really proud of them.”