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08/24/2006 11:27 PM ET
Hughes, Thunder hurt Aeros
Trenton hurler doesn't allow hit over five innings for third time in 18-0 rout
By Michael Echan / Special to MLB.com
Trenton's Phil Hughes didn't allow a hit over five innings for the third time this season. (Dan Cichalski)

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Phil Hughes has become the master of the no-hit five-inning outing. He recorded his third of the season Thursday in Trenton's thrashing of Akron.

The prized Yankees prospect combined with two relievers on a two-hitter as the Thunder pounded the Aeros, 18-0, at Canal Park.

Hughes (9-3) struck out nine and with a fifth-inning walk counting as the only blemish on his line. The 20-year-old former first-round draft pick struck out at least one batter in every inning -- including the entire side in the fifth -- and allowed just three balls to leave the infield.

The California native has been nearly untouchable since June 23, when he took a no-hitter into the eighth inning against Connecticut. Hughes has allowed three or fewer hits in 10 of his last 11 starts, holding opponents to a paltry .130 average during that span. He has won his last seven decisions, and the nine strikeouts increased his combined total to 163, sixth-most in the Minor Leagues. Hughes pitched five games for the Class A Advanced Tampa Yankees, where he fanned 30.

Despite having a reported pitch count in the low-60s, Hughes left after five innings because of a limit placed by New York in order to preserve Hughes' arm. He hasn't gone more than five since June 23.

Paul Thorp relieved Hughes in the sixth and maintained the no-hitter for one more inning before Ryan Goleski punched a one-out single through the left side of the infield in the seventh. Thorp lasted three innings before Scott Patterson tossed a perfect ninth to end the game.

The Thunder (73-57) gave Hughes the lead before he stepped on the mound by scoring five runs in the top of the first. Justin Christian cranked an RBI triple in between run-scoring doubles from Shelley Duncan and Felix Escalona. Duncan went 4-for-6 with three RBIs and three runs scored, and Randy Ruiz hit a three-run homer in the third, on a 2-for-3 three-RBI night.

All of Trenton's starters drove in at least one run.

Sean Smith (9-5) was pounded for 10 runs on 10 hits and three walks while pitching 2 1/3 innings. Shaun Larkin collected the only other hit for Akron (79-51) and was the only Aeros batter to reach base twice. He singled and walked in three plate appearances.

Michael Echan is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.