No-hit, no problem: Kings beat Sidewinders

In a rare baseball occurrence, Kofa emerged victorious despite not registering a hit

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - One of the strangest outcomes on the diamond occurred at Dean Stout Ballpark in Wednesday evenings clash between the Kofa Kings and San Luis Sidewinder's third matchup of the season.

Despite San Luis's Luis Cunningham pitching a no hitter, the Kings won 1-0, scoring the lone run on a passed ball, to advance to the first round of the 6-A playoffs.

Just for perspective, there have been only six times in Major League Baseball history where the team throwing the no hitter lost, according to MLB.com.

Cunningham was dominant on the mound, completing a no-hitter and keeping Kofa’s lineup off balance all game. But the one miscue proved costly.

In the second inning, a pitch got away, allowing Kofa's Victor Gonzalez to race home and slide in safely for the game’s only run, giving the Kings a 1-0 lead.

From there, Kofa’s defense took over.

The Kings delivered several key plays in the field to preserve the slim advantage, including a standout moment when Ryan Rosas fielded a base hit in center and fired home to cut down a runner at the plate.

After the game, Kofa head coach Jose Suero said the win was filled with emotion but reflected the mindset he has instilled in his team.

"It feels good, because when we took the job, there was not a lot of believing," Suero said. "Coming from the Dominican, we all play hard over there, and that was the message since I got here. Let's play hard."

That message was instilled in him as a kid and is now one he is trying to pass down to the Kings.

"That's how I played since I was a kid," Suero said. "I think they understand the message pretty well."

Despite the unusual nature of the victory, Suero emphasized the importance of staying focused moving forward.

"We just know, as I always tell them, don’t celebrate until you get the job done," he said. “We’re going to celebrate this one tonight, but come here and work tomorrow and stay locked in."

With the win, Kofa advances to the next round of the playoffs, turning its attention to Saturday’s matchup as the Kings look to keep their postseason run alive.