Ben Cleaver Named D1Baseball’s SEC Extra Pitcher of the Week
Sophomore left-hander Ben Cleaver has been named D1Baseball.com’s SEC Extra Pitcher of the Week after his dominating performance in a 6-1 victory over Hofstra last weekend.
The lanky southpaw was virtually untouchable, allowing just one hit and one walk in 7.1 innings, while also striking out three. It is the longest outing by a Southeastern Conference pitcher this season. He also had a perfect game through 5.2 innings before a two-strike single.
The effort also continues a trend that has seen Cleaver take a huge step forward in his second season. In his past two starts he has not allowed a run in 13.1 innings, yielding just two singles and a walk along the way. None of the three baserunners he’s allowed have reached second base while he has been on the mound.
For the season, he is 2-0 with a 1.06 earned run average. He has allowed six hits in 17.0 innings with 19 strikeouts and four walks, three in his first start. Opponents are batting .109 and do not have an extra base hit.
Notes from Saturday’s performance:
- He allowed two baserunners and he did not allow either to advance past first base.
- He threw just 83 total pitches, 59 strikes.
- He set career high in IP and pitches.
- The 7.1 IP were the longest outing by an SEC Pitcher this season.
- He had a perfect game through 5.2 innings before a single through the middle on an 0-2 count.
- In his past two starts: 13.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 14 K, three total baserunners, none past first base.
- He is 3rd in SEC in Opp. Avg. (.109), 3rd in IP (17), 4th in fewest hits allowed (6), 8thin ERA (1.06).
