Olivet College’s Ball earns MIAA Pitcher of the Week honors

OLIVET, Mich. – Olivet College sophomore Jake Ball (Cadillac) has earned Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) Pitcher of the Week honors for baseball.

Ball threw his first collegiate shutout in a complete game, four-hitter in the Comets' 3-0 win over Calvin College March 31 at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. He struck out five batters, walked only one and allowed only two runners to get in scoring position. In addition, the win helped Olivet win the season series against the Knights, three games to one.

"Jake had a great performance against a good team," said Olivet Head Coach Ted Mahan. "He faced only 24 batters in a seven-inning game, which is as close to perfection as you can get. Jake and our other starting pitchers have done a great job this season, and I am looking forward to what they can do the rest of the season."

With the win, Ball improved to 2-1 this season and lowered his ERA to 2.86. He has 20 strikeouts and walked only five batters in 28 and one-third innings.

The Comets return to the field tomorrow when they host Davenport University for a nine-inning game at 3 p.m. Olivet's next MIAA series is Friday and Saturday, April 6-7, against Hope College. The series starts with two games at Boeve Stadium in Holland Friday and two games Saturday at the Cutler Athletic Complex in Olivet. Friday's first game is slated for a 2 p.m. start, and Saturday's doubleheader begins at 1 p.m.