The Birmingham Barons opened the 2001 season in spectacular fashion on Thursday April 5 as three of their pitchers combined on a no-hitter in a 5-0 Southern League win against the Tennessee Smokies.

Mike Porzio, a 28-year-old lefthander, did most of the work, pitching seven innings in which he had six strikeouts and gave up three walks. As he was on an early season 90-pitch limit he left the contest at that point, after reaching a total of 88. Two relievers, Matt Beauchamp and Brian Tokarse each set Tennessee hitters down handily as they worked perfect eighth and ninth innings.

Special to CANADIAN BASEBALL NEWS - April 2001