Nottleman Ties 7 Inning Game Strikeout Record

The Columbus Blue Devils continued their strong start to region play Friday night (March 6), defeating Region 1-AA rival Shaw 6–1 behind a historic performance from pitcher Michael Nottleman.

Nottleman struck out 18 batters in a seven-inning complete game, tying a school record that had stood for 60 years, originally set by Bobby Herring during the 1966 season. The mark ties the record for strikeouts in a seven-inning game, while Frank Romeo still holds the program’s overall single-game record with 23 strikeouts in a 10-inning contest.

Nottleman didn’t surrender a walk in the game. His final pitching line was 7 IP, CG, W, 2H, 0BB, 18K, 1ER. Sitting 88-90 the entire way. At the plate he was 1-1 with 1HR, and 2BB. Counting his last start, a four inning no-hitter run rule win with 1 walk, Nottleman now has 27 strikeouts in his last 11 innings.

The victory moved Columbus to 4–0 in Region 1-AA play, placing the Blue Devils alone atop the standings. They will face their biggest test yet Tuesday at home against fellow unbeaten Jordan (3–0) in a matchup that could shape the early region race.

The win also extended Columbus’ overall winning streak to six games, pushing the Blue Devils above .500 for the first time since their season-opening victory over Harris County.

Offensively, Columbus has begun to find its rhythm as well. In last week’s game against Taylor County, Ren Smith and Nottleman hit back-to-back home runs, marking the first time the Blue Devils have accomplished the feat this season and the first such occurrence for the program in quite some time.

The surge at the plate reflects a larger trend during the current streak, as the Blue Devils have scored 83 runs over their last six games, signaling an offense that appears to be heating up at the right time.