Drew Rasmussen Named NCBWA?s Top Pitcher
CORVALLIS, Ore. – Oregon State freshman Drew Rasmussen was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s (NCBWA) National Pitcher of the Week just three days after throwing the first perfect game in OSU history.
Rasmussen retired all 27 batters he faced in Oregon State’s 3-0 win Saturday, which helped the Beavers to their first sweep of the Cougars since 2006. He struck out 10, got to a three-ball count twice and needed just 103 pitches to complete his day.
Rasmussen’s perfect game was the first in the conference since 1973, and the first against a current league member. He was the 24th pitcher to record a perfect game nationally since the NCAA started keeping that record in 1957. Of those 24 perfect games, his was just the 12th to go nine innings.
His outing was the sixth no-hitter in school history and the fourth under head coach Pat Casey.
The honor is the third of the week for Rasmussen as he was named the Pac-12 Conference’s Pitcher of the Week on Monday following a National Player of the Week recognition by Louisville Slugger.
Rasmussen is the second OSU player to be recognized by the NCBWA this season. KJ Harrison was named its National Hitter of the Week Feb. 23.
His perfect day improved his season mark to 3-0 and lowered his earned run average to 1.36. Opponents are batting just .204 against him and he has struck out 40 to just five walks. In 39 2/3 innings this season, Rasmusen’s WHIP stands at an impressive 0.86.
Oregon State stays at home for the next five games, which are all non-conference. The Beavers continue the homestand with games Tuesday and Wednesday against San Jose State, which both start at 5:35 p.m. PT. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by visiting BeaverTickets.com or calling 800-GOBEAVS.
For more information on the Oregon State baseball team, follow the club’s official Twitter account at Twitter.com/Beaver_Baseball, by Facebook at Facebook.com/OregonStateBaseball or on Instagram at Instagram.com/BeaverBaseball.
