Photo by: Owen Main | Cal Poly Athletics
Griffin Naess Wins First Career Big West Pitcher of the Week
4/1/2024 12:00:00 PM | Baseball
IRVINE, Calif. – Griffin Naess, a true freshman from Laguna Beach, has made waves throughout his first year as a Mustang. In a performance for the Cal Poly record books, Naess pitched the program's first one-hitter since 2005 to clinch the series against Cal State Fullerton.
With the help of Naess, the Mustangs are now 6-3 in the Big West after winning their fourth straight series and third straight to kick off the conference slate. Improving to 4-0 after his appearance against the Titans, Naess has done more than enough to solidify himself as the regular third slot of the rotation.
Originally slated as a reliever coming into the season, Naess earned his chance as the third starter after a 3 2/3 innings effort in the 4-3 win over Pepperdine in which he was awarded the win and struck out four Waves while allowing just two hits and one run.
Since then, the 6-foot-6 righty has remained on a tear, pitching at least 5 innings and tossing 6 or more strikeouts in all four of his starting appearances while never giving up more than five hits or three runs. This stretch culminated in the second leg of Friday's doubleheader.
Following the first three innings in which he shut the Titans down in order one after another, Naess went on to set a pair of career-high marks with 8 innings pitched and 7 strikeouts. Despite a scattering of batters hit by pitches, Naess totaled four innings without a single baserunner en route to carrying his no-hitter into the ninth inning.
After unquestionably providing Cal Poly's finest pitching performance in recent memory, Naess finally gave up his first knock of the game in the ninth inning. He was relieved and walked into the dugout to a standing ovation from the opposing Titan fans in attendance.
This was the first career conference honor for Naess, who is surely set up for more starting appearances. Naess is tentatively slated to make his next start on Sunday, April 7 against UC Riverside.
With the help of Naess, the Mustangs are now 6-3 in the Big West after winning their fourth straight series and third straight to kick off the conference slate. Improving to 4-0 after his appearance against the Titans, Naess has done more than enough to solidify himself as the regular third slot of the rotation.
Originally slated as a reliever coming into the season, Naess earned his chance as the third starter after a 3 2/3 innings effort in the 4-3 win over Pepperdine in which he was awarded the win and struck out four Waves while allowing just two hits and one run.
Since then, the 6-foot-6 righty has remained on a tear, pitching at least 5 innings and tossing 6 or more strikeouts in all four of his starting appearances while never giving up more than five hits or three runs. This stretch culminated in the second leg of Friday's doubleheader.
Following the first three innings in which he shut the Titans down in order one after another, Naess went on to set a pair of career-high marks with 8 innings pitched and 7 strikeouts. Despite a scattering of batters hit by pitches, Naess totaled four innings without a single baserunner en route to carrying his no-hitter into the ninth inning.
After unquestionably providing Cal Poly's finest pitching performance in recent memory, Naess finally gave up his first knock of the game in the ninth inning. He was relieved and walked into the dugout to a standing ovation from the opposing Titan fans in attendance.
This was the first career conference honor for Naess, who is surely set up for more starting appearances. Naess is tentatively slated to make his next start on Sunday, April 7 against UC Riverside.
Players Mentioned
RHP
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