By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For those who needed proof of just how dominant sophomore David Hess was on the mound over the weekend, look no further as the righty earned Collegiate Baseball newspaper Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week honors.
Hess was lights out Thursday night, shutting down the Belmont offense behind a career performance. The righty struck out a staggering career-high 11 Bruin batters in just 4.1 innings of work. He faced 14 batters, allowing just one hit and walking none to earn his seventh win of the year. His strikeout total accounted for 85% of his total outs in the contest, the second highest percentage in the nation this season by a pitcher who tossed at least four innings. Five of his 11 Ks were looking.
It is because of his pitching performance over the weekend, that Hess also earned adidas OVC co-Pitcher of the Week honors Monday afternoon.
The honor marks the first of the young pitcher's career, although Hess is no stranger to being recognized by the OVC. Last season, he was named to the 2012 OVC All-Freshman Team.
Hess has had a fantastic season for the Golden Eagles, compiling a 7-2 record as both a starter and key relief pitcher out of the bullpen. The sophomore has tossed 60.2 innings, allowing just 66 hits and 17 walks. He ranks second on the team in strikeouts with 73 and holds a solid 3.56 ERA, allowing batters to hit just .280.
Collegiate Baseball newspaper is a tabloid publication that is dedicated to covering college and high school baseball nationwide. The Collegiate Baseball newspaper poll is the oldest college baseball poll. Its birth took place during the 1957 college baseball season.
Louisville Slugger National Players of the Week:
• OF Nick Ferdinand, Delaware: Ferdinand had a monster 3-game series against James Madison as he belted 4 home runs, 1 double and knocked in 7 runs with 5 runs scored. He was 5-for-12 and ended the season as the Colonial Athletic Association leader with 14 home runs.
• RHP David Hess, Tennessee Tech.: Hess struck out 11 of 14 batters he faced over 4 1/3 innings of work against Belmont. He allowed one hit and walked none to earn his seventh win of the year. His strikeout total accounted for 85 percent of his total outs in the contest, the second highest percentage in the nation this season by a pitcher who tossed at least four innings.
• LHP Carlos Rodon, N.C. State: Rodon struck out 15 batters during a 7-6, 10-inning win over Duke. He allowed four earned runs and threw 128 pitches during nine innings of work.
