It may be early in the 2014 high school baseball season, but one local pitcher has already recorded a no-hitter in the Cape-Atlantic League.

It just happened to come in his very first varsity start.

Egg Harbor Township is still reveling over Misael Castillo's incredible pitching performance this week, striking out 14 batters and allowing only two baserunners in a close 2-0 victory over conference rival Holy Spirit.

While thrilled to have achieved a no-hitter in his debut, Castillo credits his teammates for having his back. The Eagles will need that unity after returning only one senior position player from an 11-11 season; but for now, it'll be one game at a game for Castillo, who appears to be just one of the many talented pitchers in our area.

The South Jersey Sports Report spoke with the rising star about what was going through his mind during the game's final outs, and how his team can stay focused this season. Here's our exclusive interview with Egg Harbor Township Eagles junior pitcher Misael Castillo:

 

Here’s a preview of some of the other interviews from this week’s edition of the South Jersey Sports Report:

  • Press of Atlantic City reporter Mike McGarry has more on a very "interesting" opening day matchup, and explains how it turned into one of the best local baseball games he's ever seen
  • Courier-Post sports report Kevin Minnick reveals which other South Jersey baseball teams are off to a fast start, and explains how the weather is affecting some of the early matchups this season
  • Press of Atlantic City sports reporter John O'Kane breaks down the opening week of the high school softball season, including why pitching and strong arms could be a dominant theme in that sport as well
  • A South Jersey native is continuing his journey through professional baseball way out west. We asked one Cape May County graduate about his transition into southern California, and why he says 2014 could be a turning point in his career
  • One of the area's best offensive linemen has made a big decision regarding his future. We asked the newest scholarship athlete about his senior season, his college commitment, and what he's expecting when training camp opens in July
  • One local Ironman athlete had 36 hours to finish his latest double marathon event: a 52.4 mile run, 4.8 miles in the water, and 224 miles on a bike. We asked the former South Jersey graduate about his incredible training regiment, and how he was overcome a pesky illness right before a big race

 

 

 

Listen to this week's show:

John O'Kane, Press of Atlantic City sports reporter

Kevin Minnick, Courier-Post sports reporter

Scott DeCecco, Former Middle Twp. graduate & pitcher with Seattle Mariners organization

John Jenkins, Holy Spirit graduate & international Ironman competitor

Jamil Demby, Vineland senior offensive lineman and recent commit to Maine University

Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City sports reporter

 

 

We’d also like to congratulate the South Jersey Athlete of the Week:

Matt McCourt

Baseball, St. Augustine Prep

He hit a pair of doubles and a single against Hammonton, collecting an RBI along the way. McCourt’s efforts helped push the Hermits past Hammonton, 6-4.

 

It’s all right here, on The South Jersey Sports Report. Listen every Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com, and catch the expanded edition every Thursday night from 6-7 p.m.

 

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @TDsTake

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