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Swenson named pitcher of the week
By JON MOFFETT
YOUNGSTOWN
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Youngstown State’s Aaron Swenson was named Horizon League pitcher of the week.
For the fourth time in his Penguins career, Youngstown State pitcher Aaron Swenson has been given a top honor at his position.
The senior right-hander was named Horizon League pitcher of the week for his performance in a victory over conference rival Butler. Swenson threw seven innings in a 12-2 victory, allowing only four hits.
“It’s a great honor,” Swenson said. “There’s a lot of good pitchers in this league, so any time you win one of those it’s a great achievement.”
Swenson is 4-0 in five starts this season. He struck out 10 against Butler, and has 39 on the season.
“He brings tremendous leadership,” said YSU coach Rich Pasquale. “He’s a competitor, and you know that you’re going to get not only his experience out there, but good pitches too.”
The Penguins (10-9) have relied on Swenson since he arrived in Youngstown as a graduate of Twinsburg High four years ago.
So what does Swenson notice this year that is different from years past?
“Up to this point, I’d say this is the most successful season at this point of the season that I’ve had in my four years here,” Swenson said. “We’re playing well. We have lots of seniors, and I think we all realize that now is the time. There is not a next year for us. We’ve got a great group of seniors and we’re all just playing our hearts out and taking it one day at a time. We’re trying not to look too far in advance.”
Pasquale said Swenson reminds him of the player’s idol, Brett Favre.
“The way [Aaron] goes about his business, you can kind of see [the resemblance] and how he follows that type of work ethic and in-game attitude of coming after you. It’s really good to have him out on the [mound] every Friday.
In five starts, Swenson has a 4.08 earned run average in 35 1/3 innings, including a complete game against Walsh earlier this month. Opponents are batting only .241 against him.
So who does Swenson credit for his latest accomplishment?
“I was joking around with [Pasquale], and I told him I may not have gotten it this week if Anthony Porter didn’t hit a bomb in the eighth [inning] off of their guy, who was pitching well,” Swenson said, laughing.
Though his big hit came in a game where Swenson was on the bench, Porter, a senior catcher, helped his teammates chances with a bomb.
The home run came off of Butler’s Mike Hernandez. Porter, in his mind, eliminated Hernandez from contention of the award and helped Swenson bring it home.
“I owe [Porter] a thank you,” Swenson said.
SEE ALSO: Home at last, Penguins to build on momentum.