Medway High School grad Blake Gillespie was named American Athletic Conference Co-Pitcher of the Week after spinning a no-hitter.
In any other week the Lucan, Ont. native would have been a lock for the honour, however, East Carolina’s Ethan Norby struck out 19 hitters the same day.
Gillespie’s no hitter was just the second no-hitter in Charlotte 49’ers program history, with the only other one coming in 1987.
Charlotte righty Blake Gillespie just threw the second no-hitter in program history. He struck out 11 against James Madison and walked one (lone base runner allowed). We now have a perfect game and no hitter in 2025. Conference play hasn't even fully started yet. pic.twitter.com/MezWpk2iRe
— Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) March 7, 2025
On the Niners’ home mound, Gillespie only allowed one runner
to reach base from a walk, who was promptly thrown out trying to steal by catcher Logan Poteet, as he faced the minimum number of batters.
“It was the most amount of pure joy I’ve had, probably ever,” Gillespie said after his team’s 5-0 win. “It was super awesome having the support of my teammates, all of them running out to me. We’re one team so we all did this together.”
He had full command of his pitches, striking out 11, and finishing the game with 113 pitches.
He said he tried to keep a calm mind, and not think too much, but added he tried to rely on his defence.
“It gives me good confidence to just attack the zone, knowing I have a good defense behind me,” said Gillespie. “If the ball is put in play there is a good chance they are going to make an out. That’s what we preach here every day. Pitching in defence. So, you know, trusting those guys is awesome.”
Gillespie transferred to Charlotte after two seasons at Georgia.
While in high school, and playing for the Ontario Nationals, Gillespie was part of the Medway team which won a city title.
He went 3-1 with a 1.07 ERA on the mound as a senior for the Cowboys after batting .310 with 46 RBIs and 21 stolen bases in his sophomore and junior seasons, combined.
