Hudson fires no-no!

Nick Hudson flirted with destiny all season.

In his first start of the summer on May 26, he took a perfect game into the sixth inning. One week later, Hudson carried a no-hitter into the seventh.

He's been the ace of the Marysville Gold Sox pitching staff since he first took the mound at Appeal-Democrat Park.

In his final start of the season on Saturday night, Hudson cemented his name in franchise history.

The right-hander out of Cal State East Bay fired a no-hitter for the Gold Sox in a 13-0 rout over the Sacramento Legends, becoming the second pitcher in franchise history to toss a complete-game no-hitter.

Five Gold Sox pitchers combined on a no-hitter back in 2006. Hudson's gem is the third no-hitter overall in franchise history.

Furthermore, Hudson threw the first complete game for the Gold Sox since 2007.

Second baseman Mitchell Wilhite squeezed the final out on a popout as members of the Gold Sox poured out of the first base dugout, mobbing Hudson at the pitcher's mound.

Instead of the ceremonious shaving cream pie to the face, Hudson was doused with baby powder.

"I think there's still some in my hair," Hudson said with a laugh. "Once I got the final out I just saw everyone coming at me and heard cheering."

It was a surreal moment for Hudson, who hasn't pitched collegiately in 18 months after redshirting this past season at East Bay.

He ends the summer with a 7-1 record and is a lock for Pitcher of the Year honors when the Gold Sox announce their awards at tonight's game.

There wasn't anything special to Hudson's routine on Saturday. He said it was just business as usual.

"Once I reached the fifth inning I just told myself to keep executing," Hudson said. "I had a little more adrenaline in that final inning. Once I got out there though I felt in control.

"My mind was blank."

Having 13 runs of support behind him definitely put his mind at ease.

Tito Quiñones provided plenty of assistance with five RBIs, including a grand slam. He also sang the national anthem prior to Saturday's first pitch.

Every starter reached base for the Gold Sox in the victory.

Johnny Rubino also hit a home run for the Gold Sox, who improved to 35-11 overall and finished the season with a 29-11 mark in the Horizon Air Summer Series.

Marysville concludes its season tonight against the Legends at 6 p.m. with Cory Rhodes taking the hill.

"I was able to get a lot of innings this summer and I wanted to face good competition," Hudson said. "I'm ready for the fall season."