Draft prospect keeps dealing no-hit ball

Frank Mozzicato added a little variety to his untouchable stretch on Wednesday, coming out of the bullpen to strike out the side in the final inning.

The left-handed UConn commit and senior at Manchester, Conn.'s East Catholic High rode four consecutive no-hitters into state tournament play. Mozzicato homered in the Eagles' 23-1 opening round victory Tuesday, then doubled twice in Wednesday's tilt before fanning a trio in relief to end the 5-0 win.

Mozzicato is expected to start East Catholic's quarterfinal on Saturday, one week before his 18th birthday. The lefty entered the year unranked among MLB's Top Draft Prospects list but shot to No. 51 by mid-May, largely on the strength of an uptick in velocity and a high-spin curveball that already rates a 60 on the 60-80 scouting scale.

A batter last recorded a hit against him on April 26, during a complete-game shutout against his team's crosstown rival, Manchester High.

While his string of no-hit ball has Draft watchers and amateur baseball enthusiasts buzzing, Mozzicato himself says he won't be bothered if the streak comes to an end during tournament play.

“My job is to throw strikes. You know eventually there’s going to be a hit. It happens," he told MLB.com last week. "The no-hitters, it’s pretty cool, but, really, who cares?”