Courtland—In a game that looked as though it might get rained out, Jacob Holland likely made the visiting team wish it had been. The Raider’s junior starting pitcher struck out seven and walked only three en route to a five inning no-hitter, and a 10-0 win, in the first round of the Virginia Commonwealth Conference tournament against Blessed Sacrament-Huguenot on Tuesday. Coach Tim Nixon said after the game, “Jacob has pitched some big games for us, but this is his first no-hitter. We’re really excited for him.”

Called after the top of the fifth inning by league rule, the Raiders had plenty of offense to go along with Holland’s pitching gem. Led by three hits each from junior shortstop Tonee Hill, junior third baseman Tristen Holland and junior second baseman Paul Parker, whose day included a two run shot over the left field fence, the SA pitcher had all the cushion he needed to cruise to a victory.

The Raiders will face Tidewater Academy on Friday at 4:30 p.m. at Kenston Forest in Blackstone. TA defeated Richmond Christian 18-5 on Tuesday to advance to Friday’s conference semifinal against the Raiders.

Reflecting on his team’s win, Nixon said, “We played real well offensively, and we played as a team. I told them that if we do, the only team that can beat us is ourselves.” Looking deeper into the tournament and possibly the state playoffs, Nixon added, “If we keep battling we’ll be fine. We have a really unique team with no seniors who bring a blue collar attitude every day.”