Hoosiers Joey DeNato Grabs Big Ten Co-Pitcher of the Week Honors

By Matthew Gray on February 18, 2014@CBCBaseball95

photo courtesy Indiana Media Relations

Indiana Hoosier senior LHP Joey DeNato captured Big Ten co-Pitcher of the Week honors on Tuesday, splitting the rag with Ohio State’s Ryan Riga. This is the third time DeNato’s name has been called for the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week acknowledgment throughout his playing career.

DeNato’s penny-pinching effort on the mound this past weekend resulted in only three hits and a walk from opposing batters, as well as striking out three batters in six innings of zero ball, to get the win in Indiana’s 1-0 triumph over hard balling Texas Tech. He confronted the minimum of hitters in five of his six innings worked, necessitating only 66 pitches to register the 25th win of his career, while achieving Indiana’s third highest win total in the universities long history.

Although as a team Indiana raised some concerns with their overall poor play, DeNato proved to be something positive the Hoosiers could take away from the opening campaign and look to build upon.

DeNato dominated a Texas Tech team that is raising eyebrows and has managed to enter Perfect Games top 30.

The San Diego California Native is no stranger to shutout baseball, having pitched a complete game shutout against Tri-State rival Louisville last year in the College World Series. The 5 feet 10 inch 175 pound lefty showcased his arm accounting for eight strike outs of Cardinal batters.

Surprisingly enough a No. 4 ranked Louisville baseball team was also a victim in the 2013 opener when DeNato held the Cardinals scoreless over four innings.

It’s early in the season, but make no mistake, a talent the caliber of DeNato grabbing first week Big Ten Pitcher of the Week honors stands as a warning to opposing conference batters. Hit the cages Big Ten batters – the beast (DeNato) is out there – and he’s hungry.

Matthew Gray is a national writer for College Baseball Central and a member of the National College Baseball Hall of Fame, granting him an official vote annually on which coaches and players will be inducted. Matthew is also a member of the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association, which gives him official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy (Player of the Year), Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. Matthew is college baseball's go to source for exclusive player, coach, scout and executive interview based articles. He is at the forefront of prospect knowledge in the nation, and owns a strong managerial and professional background which includes over 25 years of experience as an author, scout, coach and athlete. Matthew has two daughters, Shelby, and Michelle. Follow Matthew on Twitter @CBCBaseball95