Versailles' Deland Shines With One-Hit Shutout

Senior pitcher Sam Deland leads Versailles to 7-0 win over Russia with dominant performance on the mound.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:21am

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A vibrant, cubist-style painting depicting a high school baseball game, with the players and field broken down into overlapping geometric shapes and planes of color, capturing the energy and motion of the sport.Versailles pitcher Sam Deland's one-hit shutout performance highlights the Tigers' strong pitching staff as they prepare for conference play.Versailles Today

Versailles senior pitcher Sam Deland threw a one-hit shutout, coming just one out away from a no-hitter, as the Tigers defeated visiting Russia 7-0 on Tuesday. Deland struck out seven batters and was in control throughout, setting the tone for Versailles as they prepare for conference play in the MAC.

Why it matters

Deland's standout performance highlights Versailles' strong pitching staff, which coach Bill Sturwold believes will be crucial as the Tigers aim to compete for a conference title in the competitive Midwest Athletic Conference. Deland's grit and determination on the mound have made him a leader for the young Versailles squad.

The details

Deland retired the first 16 batters he faced before Russia's Maddox Goubeaux broke up the no-hit bid with a single in the sixth inning. Deland was able to finish the complete-game shutout, throwing 80 pitches. He was backed by a three-run third inning and two more runs in the fourth to give Versailles a comfortable lead. Deland's curveball and fastball were both working effectively, as he consistently threw strikes and kept the Russia hitters off balance.

  • Deland retired the first 16 batters he faced before allowing a single in the sixth inning.
  • Versailles scored three runs in the bottom of the third inning and two more in the fourth to build a 5-0 lead.
  • Deland finished the complete-game shutout, throwing 80 pitches.

The players

Sam Deland

A senior pitcher and infielder for the Versailles Tigers, Deland threw a dominant one-hit shutout, coming just one out away from a no-hitter. He has been a leader for the young Versailles squad both on the mound and in the field.

Bill Sturwold

The veteran head coach of the Versailles Tigers, Sturwold praised Deland's performance and believes the Tigers' strong pitching staff, led by Deland and Ian Bergman, will be crucial as they compete for a conference title in the MAC.

Maddox Goubeaux

The senior left-handed pitcher for Russia, Goubeaux was matched up against Deland and gave up five runs, two of them unearned, in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“When your pitcher is on, like he was today, it sets the stage for the whole ballgame. Sam can be that kind of player.”

— Bill Sturwold, Head Coach, Versailles Tigers

“I was aware that they didn't have a hit yet. Today was the closest I've ever come to a no-hitter.”

— Sam Deland, Pitcher, Versailles Tigers

What’s next

Versailles will look to build on Deland's strong outing as they open Midwest Athletic Conference play on Thursday against Parkway.

The takeaway

Deland's dominant performance on the mound showcases Versailles' strength on the pitching staff, which will be crucial as they aim to compete for a conference title in the tough MAC. The senior's grit and determination have made him a leader for the young Tigers squad.