Auckland Tuatara pitching ace Kyle Glogoski's no-hit effort in his season opener has the startup club excited for the young Kiwi's baseball future.
The Philadelphia Phillies prospect pitched five shut-out innings against the Perth Heat in Game Two of the opening series of the Tuatara's debut season.
Unfortunately for Glogoski, his side blew a four-run lead in the final inning, losing 5-4 to rob the 19-year-old of a win.
The Tuatara went on the lose all four games of the series - leading in three of them - but Glogoski's efforts haven't been forgotten.
Outfielder Zach Clark, who plies his trade in the Milwaukee Brewers minor league system, believes the New Zealander has what it takes to be a big-time pitcher.
Clark expects more lights-out performances from his teammate this season.
"The dude knows what he is doing, so I wasn't surprised," Clark told Newshub.
"He is a good player and it was pretty sick that he gave up a no-hitter.
"He has legit talent to go all the way."
Clarke's assertion was backed up by Tuatara manager Steve Mintz.
A former Major League pitcher in his own right, Mintz was delighted with Glogoski's outing, but has challenged the youngster to be the club's starting ace.
"He did great getting through those five innings," Mintz told Newshub.
"We expect him to give us that type of quality start and hopefully, he will give us a chance to win every time he starts a game."
Glogoski shied away from predicting what his future may hold. While not on an official pitch limit this season, his performances, health and development are being monitored closely by the Phillies.
For now, though, the Aucklander is happy to keep contributing and back up his solid showing this Saturday, when he makes his second start of the season.
"For me, personally, I was really happy with how I went," he told Newshub. "I only gave away two walks, which is my biggest downfall.
"There are still a few things to work on, but overall, I did really well. It's just a shame the team didn't come away with the 'W', but I'm sure we will this weekend."
Friends and family of the Kiwi teenager will be in attendance to witness Glogoski's first professional game in New Zealand.
The right-arm pitcher, who hasn't played in New Zealand in nearly two years, is excited by that prospect.
"Mum and dad are coming out," he said. "They have already bought tickets, and I have some friends and family coming, so it should be exciting.
"It's first time pitching in front of them for a long time, so they are stoked to be able to see me pitch on home soil.
"It's the first professional game ever for baseball in New Zealand. Baseball has a completely unique culture and something cool for new fans to check out."
That sentiment is backed up by Mintz, who believes the sport will catch on in New Zealand, if potential fans give it a crack.
They will have no better opportunity than this weekend, with four games in three days at Te Atatu's McLeod Park.
"Come out," said Mintz. "If you have never seen a baseball game before, come out and watch.
"We are excited about the product, and we would love for fans to come out and meet the players.
"We want to be as engaging as we can - I'm gonna try to talk to people in the stands during the game. We want to make this New Zealand's team and a franchise they can be proud of."
The opening game of the series against the Brisbane Bandits begins at 3pm Friday.
Newshub.
