Good Answer
In the first game of a doubleheader on June 15, Norwalk (Iowa) High senior Matt Dermody turned in the greatest pitching performance in state history, a six-inning perfect game in which he struck out all 18 South Tama High batters. It was a tough act for junior teammate Kole Klocko to follow. But in the second game the righty nearly equaled his best friend, throwing a five-inning no-hitter while striking out 10 and walking one. (Both games were 10--0 wins shortened by Iowa's mercy rule.) "It was the first time throwing no-hitters for both of us, so that's kind of special," says Dermody. After the sweep, the one TV reporter on hand spoke only to Dermody. "Matt got the interview," says Klocko, before adding with a laugh, "[The reporter] didn't feel like my start was good enough." Then again, Dermody also hit two home runs in the twin bill.
The pair are typical sports junkies, spending much of their time using the mound and batting cage behind Dermody's house. Klocko, an accomplished bow hunter, is slated to be the Warriors' starting quarterback in the fall, and Dermody was a football receiver, a basketball forward and a tennis player at Norwalk. Dermody, a 6'5" lefty who throws in the mid-80s, was drafted in the 26th round by the Pirates two weeks ago. Because high school baseball in Iowa stretches into August, Pittsburgh told Dermody it will wait to see how he finishes the season before making a contract offer. (If he doesn't sign, he'll go to Iowa next year.)
Behind Dermody (4--0, 0.29 ERA) and Klocko (2--1, 0.35), Norwalk was 12--3 entering the week and in second place in the Class 3A Little Hawkeye Conference. But the Warriors have to like their chances to make up ground: Thanks to a rainy June, they will play five doubleheaders down the stretch.
SIGN OF THE APOCALYPSE
A substitute gym teacher in New York was arrested for allegedly putting a 10-year-old in a choke hold after the two had a dispute about a dodgeball game.
PHOTO
PAT DERMODY (KLOCKO AND DERMODY)
DOUBLE TROUBLE Klocko (left) and Dermody combined for 28 K's in 11 innings.
PHOTO
PAT DERMODY (DERMODY)
[See caption above]