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Published August 07, 2009, 12:00 AM

Backhaus hurls no-hitter

It was the third career hitless game thrown by Backhaus in his career

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    Alexandria's Lee Backhaus, pitching for the Classic Clippers, threw the third no-hitter of his career recently, helping his team defeat the Nisswa Bobcats.

After 16 years of suiting up with the Alexandria Classic Clippers, original team member Lee Backhaus proved this past weekend that there is still a little magic in his right arm.

Backhaus highlighted a doubleheader sweep by throwing the third no-hitter of his Clippers’ career in a 12-1 win on the road against the Nisswa Bobcats. Catcher Roger Johnson and Backhaus are the only two original team members of the Clippers, who started in 1994.

In the nightcap of the doubleheader, the two teamed up for the third time in a no-hitter. Backhaus walked three batters and recorded six strikeouts, while allowing one unearned run to cross the plate. His previous no-hitters came against Perham in league play and against Waconia in state tournament play.

The great performance on the mound highlighted what was a great day for Alexandria. The Clippers sent 16 men to the plate in an 11-run second inning to give Backhaus plenty of offense to work with in game two. Mark Nelson and Roger Johnson each had two RBIs in the game, while Greg Serum, Doug Breitkruetz, Joe Korkowski and Bill Ziegler each drove in a run, as well.

Game one saw much of the same as the Clippers took a 13-2 decision in six innings. Breitkruetz, Dan Sparr and Todd Winter led the offensive charge with two RBIs each.

The Clippers once again benefited from a big inning. This time it came in the fifth when they sent 12 to the plate to score seven runs. They added four more in the sixth to secure the win.

Korkowski took advantage of that offense to pick up the win on the mound. He made his first appearance on the hill since 2007 and threw brilliantly in his return. Korkowski allowed just the two runs, while striking out seven.

Alexandria will be back at Knute Nelson Memorial Park this Friday when they welcome Sebeka-Menahga for an 8 p.m. first pitch. The Clippers then travel to Urbank on Sunday to wrap up the regular season with an 8 p.m. game.

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