DES MOINES — The Centerville baseball team wrapped up its amazing run at the state tournament by claiming the class 3A state championship on Saturday at Principal Park.

Big Red pitcher Jay Schmidt took a no-hitter into the seventh inning as Centerville defeated second-ranked Harlan 1-0 to win its first state championship since 1988.

Schmidt was nearly untouchable on the mound for Centerville. His bid to throw the fourth no-hitter in Iowa state championship history was broken up with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning by Harlan clean-up hitter Brett Stein.

Centerville right fielder Seth Thomas kept Schmidt’s no-hit bid alive in the seventh inning with a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch near the warning track for the first out of the inning.

Following Stein’s single, Harlan pinch-runner Nathan Bruck stole second base, putting the tying run in scoring position with one out. Cyclone pitcher Tyler Lefeber then lined out to Centerville center fielder Jordan McCoy, with Bruck tagging and advancing to third on the play. Before throwing another pitch, Schmidt tossed the ball to shortstop Michael Kauzlarich who stepped on second base, appealing that Bruck left second base too early on the previous play. The umpire pumped his fist, calling Bruck out as the Centerville fans and players erupted in celebration.

“I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet. It was an unbelievable ball game. The way it ended was crazy,” said Centerville head coach Bill Huisman. “I might start crying. I have to keep my emotions under control. I’m so proud of them. What a season.”

The complete-game one-hitter was the 10th in state championship history, earning Schmidt the 2008 Iowa State Championship 3A Player of the Game.

Schmidt looked very comfortable on the hill, although he admitted after the game that he wasn’t at first.

“I was very nervous. It was one of the scariest moments of my life. When I got out there and started throwing strikes it calmed me down,” said Schmidt.

The formula for Schmidt’s success was simple — stay up late, sleep in and eat fast food prior to the game.

“Everybody told me I had to go to bed by 8 p.m. I stayed up until 12 a.m. and slept until 11 a.m. Then we went to Valley West Mall and I ate at KFC/Taco Bell,” Schmidt said.

Whatever Schmidt did worked, as he put together his best performance of the season.

“I was very fired up. It’s the championship game and you want to do your best,” added Schmidt.

Schmidt finished with eight strikeouts and just one walk during the one-hit performance.

“Jay was unbelievable. He was flipping his glove and when he does that he’s on,” said Huisman.