This week the Longwod Lions playoff win wasn't just a great win; it was nearly perfect.
The second seeded Lions defeated the #7 seed Patchogue-Medford 4-0, but with each pitch that was thrown the story was less about a playoff win and more about what was happening on the mound. The Lions starter Brendan Rivera wound up turning in the best performance of his career when he threw a no-hitter.
Rivera had never thrown a no-no before and saved the best game he ever pitched for the playoffs. He was the epitome of dominant on the day. To go along with no hits, he struck out eight and didn't walk a batter. In fact, the only thing that kept him away from a perfect game were an error in the fifth inning and a dropped third strike.
What makes this even more special is that the crowd was packed with pro scouts, who were there to watch Marcus Stroman's younger brother Jayden pitch in the playoffs. Stroman struck out 12 and allowed five hits and four runs over five innings but was outdone by Rivera.
Longwood now will take on 3rd ranked Smithtown this weekend.