Perfection is hard to come by in sports. And yet, Juan Diego Catholic High School junior Caden Fenger got to experience just that—and in the state tournament, no less. On May 9 against American Leadership Academy, Fenger threw a perfect game in a 16-0 win to keep the Soaring Eagle team’s hopes alive after falling to the losers bracket in postseason play.

“It was a very amazing moment to pitch a perfect game. That’s something I never would have thought I could ever achieve or dream of doing,” Fenger said. “During the game I felt great.

My fastball was zipping in, the cutter was moving a lot, my changeup was getting hitters off balance and the curve ball could land for a strike consistently. I started to realize it was special going into the last inning.”

JDCHS head coach Taylor Berg said, “Not that anyone would ever expect a perfect game, but it doesn't shock me that it happened for Caden. He works tirelessly at his pitching skills and gives it everything he has, every time out. When he takes the mound, he shines the brightest. I am beyond proud of him and this achievement; he deserves it.”

The son of Bryan and Dayna Fenger of Murray achieved just the 12th perfect game in UHSAA history with one of his two wins on the mound this season. He also plays basketball for Juan Diego, but his love on the field grew from a young age as he picked up the sport at 5 years old. “I always loved baseball because I always loved pitching and competing with the hitters,” he said. 

Berg commended Fenger for his excellence as a student-athlete on campus. “Caden is extremely competitive in everything he applies himself to,” Berg said. “He has an extremely high ceiling athletically and I can’t wait to continue to watch him compete and grow as a young man.”

The junior hopes to pursue his dream of playing baseball collegiately and keep learning from the sport that has taught him to overcome mistakes and be mentally tough. λ