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El Camino pitcher throws back-to-back no-hitters to rewrite the record books

Zane Nordquist becomes the first person in CIF San Diego Section history to throw back-to-back no-hitters

SAN DIEGO — El Camino High School's Zane Nordquist added his name to the CIF San Diego Section record books in incredible fashion. The junior southpaw pitched a no-hitter in back-to-back games.

He is the first person in the section to ever accomplish such a feat and something Zane has thought of since he first walked onto the diamond for the Wildcats. "That's what I've been wanting to do since freshman year, go out there and throw no-hitters is the coolest thing to do," Zane said.

The first no-no came on April, 16 against Valley Center. Nordquist would strike out 19 of the 21 batters he faced in the 7 innings. 

El Camino head coach Ricky Imperiali says Zane's performance was something he saw coming. "Honestly, I wasn't surprised you know he has the stuff. He has the pitch ability to pitch through a lineup, especially get through that lineup a second and third time." 

A 19-strikeout no-hitter is an impressive story on its own. Throwing another no-hitter in your very next start is uncharted ground here in San Diego.

A week after tossing his first no-hitter the lefty would repeat the incredible feat. This time against Escondido. A 112-pitch, 15-strikeout showcase capping off 14 straight no-hit innings. "To know I have the confidence to go out there and do that and then doing it again.. just definitely knowing that I can go out there and compete," Zane said.

Nordquist's dominance on the mound has already grabbed the attention of college coaches, including the schools right here in his own backyard. Zane is planning to stay local and has verbally committed to play for San Diego State back in August. "Coming out here and scouting me pretty early just shows how much San Diego State means to me," Zane said. 

As for now, Zane has one goal in mind, win the Wildcats their first state title in baseball. "El Camino is coming along. We got all three phases of the game down. We're ready to go. Go get the banner." 

Coach Imperiali is looking for a state title as well, but he also knows the importance of the game. "You know, obviously we're trying to win on the field. We're trying to win in life a little bit as well and I think the game of baseball...I think the reason why I'm still doing  it is because I just love what it teaches young men about life." 

The Wildcats won the Valley League this season, their first league title in the history of El Camino Baseball. 

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