Alfredo Ruiz Wins NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week Honors

Photo by: John Fajardo

2/18/2020 2:24:00 PM | Baseball

After a career-high 10 strikeouts in six scoreless innings, sophomore Alfredo Ruiz has earned national acclaim as the NCBWA National Pitcher of the Week. Ruiz becomes the first Dirtbags player to win the award since active major leaguer Shane Carle won it in 2013.

By: Tyler Hendrickson, Associate Athletic Communications Director

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – After winning Big West Pitcher of the Week honors on Monday, sophomore Alfredo Ruiz has picked up some national recognition for his performance last Saturday. The lefthander was just named the first National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) National Pitcher of the Week for the 2020 season.

It's the first national weekly award for a Long Beach State player since May 21, 2013, when Shane Carle received the award from the NCBWA. Ruiz also becomes just the sixth different Dirtbags pitcher all-time to claim a National Pitcher of the Week award. The incomparable Jered Weaver was an eight-time National Pitcher of the Week winner during his Long Beach State career.

Ruiz led the Dirtbags to a 4-0 win over Cal last Saturday, setting new career highs in innings (7.0) and strikeouts (10) during his start. He also threw an impressive 78 percent of his pitches for strikes against the Golden Bears. He allowed just two batters to reach safely, both getting on base via infield singles.

The Dirtbags are in action tonight as they host Washington at 6 p.m. on Bohl Diamond at Blair Field.

Alfredo Ruiz