HCAC Names Defiance’s Waterman as Pitcher of the Week

GREENWOOD, Ind. – Darin Waterman put on two dominant pitching displays at the Gene Cusic Classic in Fort Myers, Fla. over spring break, and has gained recognition from the conference by being named the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week.

Waterman threw a complete game shutout, the first of the junior's career, in his first start of the week against Wisconsin Lutheran. The Celina High product's gem was highlighted by a career-best 14 strikeouts over just seven innings of work. Waterman only gave up three hits and one walk in the win. The pitcher helped his cause in the game by belting a grandslam at the plate to cap off a career day.

The junior followed up the memorable performance with a solid outing on Friday against Salem State. Waterman pitched five innings with six strikeouts while allowing four hits, all of which were singles, three walks and one run in his second win.

For the week, the right-hander tossed 12 innings with 20 strikeouts while only giving up one run for an ERA of 0.75. The opposition only mustered seven hits against Waterman, as the junior held hitters below the Mendoza-line for an average of just .171.

This honor marks the second time Waterman has received this award from the Heartland, as the Celina native garnered the same recognition during his sophomore year a season ago.

Waterman and the rest of the Yellow Jackets return home for its first HCAC contest of the season on Friday, March 22, as the Purple and Gold hosts Hanover in a three-game set. First pitch is scheduled for 4:15 p.m.