Lonsway struck out nine and walked four in six innings, picking up the victory. Jahn earned the save, striking out four in three innings of work. It was also the first time the Paints had been no-hit since joining the Prospect League in 2009.
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Lonsway, a 19-year-old Celina native and Ohio State sophomore, has tossed a few no-hitters in his career. He’s 1-0 with 16 strikeouts and a 4.02 earned run average in 15.2 innings pitched for the Kings (19-24).
“It’s something that’s kind of rare,” Lonsway said. “It was very cool, very exciting. I’m glad I could do it with my Ohio State teammate. It was cool that he could close it out for me. It was an awesome experience.”
Lonsway had a perfect game through three innings, but walked the first batter in the bottom of the fourth. He had reached his pitch count limit when he was removed in the seventh inning.
“I had feeling it was coming,” he said. “I trusted my teammate would close it out for us.”
It was the first no-hitter Jahn has been associated with during his career.
“It was good experience,” he said. “I had to keep it going after he started. It was a cool experience for both of us. It was a special experience. I’ll remember it for the rest of my life.”
The Ohio State University redshirt freshman is an Augusta, Ga. native. He’s 1-0 with 19 strikeouts and a 12.7 ERA in 11.1 innings for the Kings this season.
“Springfield has treated us well with some large crowds,” Jahn said. “I’ve enjoyed the Prospect League and being in Springfield this summer.”
Lonsway and Jahn drive over from Columbus for each game. Buckeyes coach Greg Beals, a Springfield native and Kenton Ridge High School graduate, had some advice for his players before the summer collegiate season.
“He told us to come over and compete and help this team win,” Lonsway said. “Be a competitor, do what you know and attack the hitters and give them your best stuff.”
Award winner: Kings outfielder Joe Acker was named the Prospect League Player of the Week for the week of July 4 through 10. Acker, a University of Nebraska sophomore, hit .458 with a double, triple, home and 7 RBIs in six games.
As of July 21, Acker ranks third in hitting with a .369 batting average.
Ticket deal: The Kings have reduced ticket prices to $5 for eight of its final nine home dates. The Kings host single games on July 22, 23, 26, 28 and 30. It will also host doubleheaders on July 29 and Aug. 2.
The Kings regular season will end on Aug. 3 with Fireworks Night. All tickets are for the event are $10.
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