When Will Bausinger, junior kinesiology major, discovered he would be the starting pitcher for the game against Washburn on Feb. 13, he texted his dad.

Paul Bausinger then drove, unexpectedly down from St. Louis the next day to watch his son play ball.

Bausinger made history that day.

He didn’t allow any hits, walks or runs totaling 17 strikeouts helping the team lead 9-0 at the at the MIAA/GLVC Challenge.

This is the first perfect game for the University and the MIAA conference, and second best all-time for strikeouts in a game.

Bausinger’s interest in baseball started when he was 6-years-old, since his father once played. 

As a child, Bausinger quickly learned that hitting wasn’t for him. So he stuck with pitching.

Years later, Bausinger is featured on ESPN’s SportsCenter’s Top 10.

His perfect game landed in the number nine spot. He had no idea he would be on TV until he got a call from his dad.

“I didn’t believe him, then a couple guys sent me a video of it and I just thought, ‘wow,’” said Bausinger.

As seen in the video broadcasted on SportsCenter, the team burst into cheers and Bausinger was in a huddle of congratulations. 

However, Bausinger and the team didn’t allow for much excitement during the game.

It wasn’t until the fifth or sixth inning that he realized what was taking place. He didn’t allow that to jinx his chances.

“Everyone stopped talking to me in the dugout,” said Bausinger. “It’s kind of an unwritten rule–you don’t talk about it during games.”

He credits the efforts of the catcher and pitching coach, saying both helped him during the game.

“It was great being on the same page as them,” said Bausinger. “I trusted them.”

Bausinger was also named the MIAA’s National Pitcher of the Week after his accomplishment. 

Bausinger said life hasn’t changed much since the February game.

He continues to focus on the future, along with his teammates. He tries not to hold too tight to the past.

For him, taking it one game at a time is the best strategy. 

“It’s a once in a lifetime thing, and it was great to do it with my teammates,” said Bausinger.