Stoneham High School Pitcher Throws No-Hitter Against Watertown

pitcher Steve Keskinidis tossed a no-hitter versus Watertown High School in a 2-0 win on Tuesday.

Keskinidis threw seven innings of no-hit baseball, while walking one and punching out six Raiders en route to the victory.

Keskinidis was down to his final out and had a 2-2 count when he reached back and threw a straight fastball right on the corner to strikeout a Raiders hitter.

“It was the best feeling in the world as I walked off the mound after pumping my fist knowing I threw a no-hitter,” Keskinidis said.

Keskinidis said that he had command of all of his pitches throughout the day, but admitted he threw some pitches more than others.

“I was frequently throwing my fastball and curveball,” Keskinidis said. “Coach (Kevin) Yianacopolus was just telling me to throw strikes and keep the tempo going.”

To achieve a no-hitter, pitchers must rely on their defense to help them during a game and for Keskinidis it was no different.

“I have to give a lot of credit to my defense,” Keskinidis said. “There were a few ground balls to shortstop Mike Andrews and a breath-taking line drive to Ben Allen in center(field) and they both made remarkable plays, but overall the team contributed tremendously making the right plays and right decisions to keep my no-hitter going.”

Like many ballplayers, Keskinidis knew what was going on and he kept his thoughts to himself while he sat alone in the dugout.

“I am a little superstitious,” Keskinidis said. “I have already come close to a no-hitter twice this season and my fourth inning was my bad inning both games. A few of my teammates knew, but not everyone. They kept quiet so they wouldn’t throw me off my game.”

Keskinidis spoke highly of the way the game was called by his catcher and captain Andrew Cann.

“Andrew, coach and I were on the same page all game long and they both knew what sign to give me at the perfect time,” Keskinidis said. “Andrew, being one of the captains, was huge because he played a huge role in this game and made a great contribution to this team.”

Keskinidis has been pitching effectively recently and finally threw a no-hitter twice after coming up short a few times this season.

“I attribute my success to my hard work ethic, positive attitude, dedication to the game and never giving up no matter what the situation is,” Keskinidis said.

The no-hitter is the first for Keskinidis in his career and he couldn't stop smiling after the final out was made.

“This no-hitter means the world to me and shows my hard work has paid off especially for this big of a game,” Keskinidis said.