From The Spirit:

That Elusive Perfect Game

Everyone was ready to see the magic happen again. from the players to the coaches to the spectators to the umpires-they were all hoping to see the lightning bolt of an arm that had just produced a perfect game deliver a repeat performance.

Lightning didn't strike twice for nolan becker, the senior lefty from stuyvesant high school. during this game, played earlier this spring in central park, he was facing a top squad in norman thomas, one that sported few weak hitters and went on to win the city championships a couple of weeks ago. but if anyone doubted the kid's talent after he allowed an unearned run in the first inning, they stood corrected a little later. becker got nine strikeouts combined in the second, third and fourth innings. he wasn't flawless, giving up a few walks, but he rose to the occasion whenever the situation was toughest.

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