June 8, 2007

NEW BERN, N.C. - Brian Espersen tossed a no-hitter for the Florence RedWolves of the Coastal Plains League, making it the second year in a row the team received a no-hit performance from a Mercyhurst pitcher.

Espersen tossed a no-hitter at the New Bern River Rats on Thursday as the RedWolves clobbered New Bern 12-0. Espersen joins John Mang, who threw a no-no against Wilmington last summer.

The righty struck out a dozen in the gem, but did walk 10 batters.

"It was kind of a weird game," RedWolves coach Sean Heffernan said. "He struggled with his control but managed to get the strikeouts when he needed them."

Espersen walked the bases loaded in the fifth and then struck out the side as the RedWolves improved to 5-2. Florence scored in nearly every inning, Heffernan said.

Espersen is not the only Laker playing for the RedWolves. Joe Luli had three RBI in the game. David Lough, who has two homers throught the first six games, batted cleanup and had one hit. Dan Bertolini added a pinch single late in the contest.