Meder No-Hits Middletown in Season Opener

Apr 3, 2023

The Guilford Grizzlies' 2023 Season began with a memorable performance, as Junior starting pitcher, Bryce Meder, tossed a no-hitter during a 3-0 victory over Middletown on Monday afternoon at GHS Field. Meder's complete game, no-hit, no-run effort was huge for Guilford as Middletown starter, Caleb Reed, only surrendered 3 hits and 1 earned run in his own outstanding effort for the Blue Dragons.

Guilford's defense also played a major role in holding Middletown hitless. Stellar plays by Lucas Ametrano in CF, Jack Farrah at 2B, and Colin Pompano at 3B, robbed Middletown of a few potential hits, helping Meder keep his no-no in tact.

Neither team could record a hit through the first 2 innings, but in the bottom of the 3rd, the Grizzlies' offense finally broke through. Jack Farrah reached base on the first of 2 Middletown errors in the inning, followed by a walk to Sam Ametrano. Carter Williams then reached on an error that loaded the bases for Guilford with 1 out. Up next was Michael Buccaro who delivered the first hit of the game, a 2-RBI, base hit to right, (video) scoring both Farrah and Ametrano to give Guilford a 2-0 lead after 3.

The Grizzlies' other 2 hits came in the bottom of the 5th, when Lucas Ametrano lead off with a triple into the left-field corner, (video) and scored when his brother Sam followed with a sacrifice fly. Carter Williams then doubled to deep left, but Guilford could not advance him further as the game moved into the 6th.

With a season-opening no-hitter within reach, Meder seemed to get stronger, notching 4 of his 7 strikeouts in the final 2 frames. When the final Middletown batter grounded out to end the game, Meder's teammates greeted him on the field to celebrate the 1-0 start, and congratulate him on an outstanding performance. (video)

For the record, Bryce Meder pitched a 7 inning complete game, gave up 0 hits, 0 runs, 0 walks and faced only 23 batters while striking out 7. Mike Buccaro went 1 for 2 with 2 RBIs and Lucas Ametrano had a triple and a run scored. Sam Ametrano also scored a run and had an RBI, while Carter Williams added a double.

Meder's complete game performance was also huge as it spared the rest of the Grizzlies' pitching staff, who still have 3 games scheduled this week. Next up for Guilford is Jonathan Law, who will be at GHS Field on Wed., 4/5, followed by a trip down to Wilton on Thu., 4/6, a makeup of their rained out season opener from Apr. 1. On Sat. 4/8, the Grizzlies will wrap up a busy opening week in Clinton, when they take on the Morgan Huskies at the Indian River Complex.