Polanco Tosses No-Hitter as Cleveland Storm Captures Metro Championship with Perfect Season Intact

Treven Polanco capped a sensational day for Cleveland Storm baseball by throwing a no-hitter in the most pressure-packed situation imaginable, leading his team to a 7-0 victory over Rio Rancho in the APS Metro Baseball Championships final while extending their perfect season to 13-0.\n\nThe senior right-hander needed just 87 pitches to complete his masterpiece on Saturday, striking out five batters while walking three and hitting one during a performance that combined pinpoint control with clutch execution under championship pressure.\n\nIt felt really great. Amazing. My first no-hitter, said the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Polanco, who is signed to continue his career at Chandler-Gilbert College in Arizona. I just wanted to attack the zone, I knew I could beat them and trust my defense.\n\nPolanco methodically dismantled the Rio Rancho lineup through seven dominant innings, utilizing a lively fastball complemented by effective breaking balls that kept the Rams off balance throughout the championship contest.\n\nThe Storm defense provided crucial support behind their ace, with Oklahoma-bound shortstop Anthony Del Angel delivering two spectacular defensive gems that preserved the no-hit bid during critical moments.\n\nDel Angel most impressive play came against Rio Rancho leadoff hitter Brayden Bustillos with two outs in the third inning, as the shortstop charged a slow-hit chopper, moving in and slightly right before firing to first base to complete a difficult play.\n\nI just tried my best to back him up a little bit, Del Angel explained after making the defensive stops that helped secure Polanco historic achievement on the championship stage.\n\nThe Storm offensive explosion began immediately in the bottom of the first inning, as they scored four runs and chased Rio Rancho starter Logan Sunstrom after just six batters, establishing early control that never wavered.\n\nDel Angel sparked the rally by walking and stealing both second and third base before scoring on Caleb Budagher RBI single to right field, setting the tone for Cleveland dominant performance.\n\nFrancisco Hernandez, Santino Williams, and Caleb Sandoval delivered consecutive RBI singles that extended the Storm advantage to 4-0, providing Polanco with more than sufficient run support for his championship masterpiece.\n\nCleveland added another run in the second inning when Del Angel doubled and scored on a balk, before tacking on two insurance runs in the fifth inning to complete their comprehensive victory.\n\nPolanco maintained remarkable composure throughout the contest, with his only brief moment of uncertainty occurring when he walked consecutive batters leading off the sixth inning, though the Storm defense immediately erased the threat with a crucial double play.\n\nBeat them on the inside half of the plate, make them beat my fastball and make them swing and get some ground balls, Polanco explained regarding his tactical approach. I felt like I had my stuff today.\n\nStorm coach Shane Shallenberger praised his senior pitcher exceptional command and execution during the championship-clinching performance that showcased months of preparation and development.\n\nHe was pinpoint. He was hitting the spots today, Shallenberger observed. I am very proud of Treven. He had an amazing day.\n\nThe emotional celebration began when Polanco teammates raced to the mound after the final out, embracing their pitcher who had delivered the rarest of achievements during the most important game of their season.\n\nThat was awesome, man, Del Angel reflected on witnessing his teammate historic performance. He was being a dawg and it was just awesome being on his side.\n\nThe championship victory represents a dramatic turnaround for Cleveland, whose players acknowledged that last season did not meet their expectations or standards for program excellence.\n\nLast year, we didn not have an amazing year, for us, Polanco admitted. We are coming for it all this year.\n\nThe Storm perfect record and championship momentum now carry forward to next week Sal Puentes event, which features elite competition including La Cueva, Carlsbad, and several Class 4A powers.