Prospect of the Night (5/21)

The Trenton Thunder's Brett Smith dominated the Portland Sea Dogs, taking a no-hitter into the 8th inning. The Dogs' Bryan Pritz got the team's only hit of the night when his hard comebacker ricocheted Smith for an infield single. Smith left to a huge ovation after his 8 inning performance in which he struck out 10 and issued 2 walks.

Smith, who threw 3 years of college ball at Cal-Irvine, had an unremarkable rookie year in 2004 (split between Charleston and Tampa). He had a decent year at Tampa last season, but its unlikely anyone expected him to have the year he's having this season at Trenton.

With 8 shutout innings tonight, Smith now has a 1.03 ERA (remarkably, it is only 2nd to the Blue Jays Jesse Litsch, who has a 0.96). It was the 2nd time this season that Smith had a no-hitter into the 7th inning.

Smith has credited his success this season in getting ahead in the count. If he keeps this up, he can count on pitching in Yankee Stadium one day.

You can read more on Brett Smith here.