Du Quoin 8th grader throws a five-inning no-no

An eighth grade pitcher for Du Quoin Middle School threw a five-inning no hitter Wednesday afternoon at Du Quoin High School.

Gauge Vaughn pitched the no-no in the first game of a doubleheader against Chester.

Normally, middle school games go seven innings, but during the COVID-19 pandemic some games become 5-inning doubleheaders instead. And pitchers don't usually go a whole game, as coaches watch the pitch count.

But Gauge was efficient, and got his no-hitter mostly through a combination of strikeouts and good infield play, said his mom Devan Vaughn. He walked a couple batters, but they never advanced.

"He had a wonderful infield behind him," she said. "Honestly, that whole team had his back."

The young Vaughn also plays first base, and has hopes of making the Du Quoin High School team next year.