San Diego State University’s Jacob Riordan tossed the ninth no-hitter in program history March 29 as the Aztecs shut out New Mexico 13-0 for the seven-inning run-rule victory at Tony Gwynn Stadium.
A transfer from Arkansas-Pine Bluff, the Atlanta native threw 111 pitches across seven innings, overcoming six walks by matching his season-high with eight strikeouts to help the Aztecs (8-17, 4-8 Mountain West) complete the doubleheader sweep.
Earlier in the day, SDSU was victorious in the first game of the twin-bill by an 8-6 score.
The Aztecs have recorded no-hitters in back-to-back years for the first time in program history after T.J. Fondtain blanked Nevada, 4-0, on April 21, 2023.
Riordan was named MW Pitcher of the Week, a career first, while Aztec teammate Colby Turner was tabbed the league’s Freshman of the Week for the fourth time already this season.
Both players played prominent roles in helping the Aztecs to a home series victory over New Mexico, March 28-29.
Riordan was part of an Aztec pitching staff that held the Lobos to a .155 batting average for the series after the Lobos entered the weekend with a conference-leading .332 clip. New Mexico was also the league’s top scoring team, entering the series with an average of 9.4 runs per game, which ranked 18th nationally as of March 27. However, the Lobos averaged just 3.67 runs for the series.
For the season, Riordan has posted a 3-1 record with a 3.60 ERA with 39 strikeouts in 35.0 innings pitched. He leads the conference in opponent batting average (.186) and fewest hits allowed (22) while occupying the sixth spot in strikeouts (39) and the eighth position in ERA (3.60).
Meanwhile, Turner compiled a .385 batting average, a .692 slugging percentage, nine total bases and four RBI for the UNM series, with the latter three ranking second on the squad.
In the doubleheader nightcap, Turner went 3-for-4 at the plate with three RBIs, two runs scored and a stolen base, giving teammate Riordan ample offensive support en route to his no-hitter. The Aztec third baseman launched a two-run homer in the fifth inning of that contest to close out the scoring in the Aztecs’ 13-0 romp.
Entering last week, Turner led the team in several categories, including a .378 batting average and a .633 slugging percentage, which rank fourth and fifth in the Mountain West, respectively. In addition, the Aztec newcomer tops the squad in on-base percentage (.424), total bases (57), hits (34), RBIs (22) and runs scored (20).
