CINCINNATI - The Xavier Musketeers are riding high as they celebrate another stellar week on the diamond, with Logan Schmidt earning the BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week honors for the second consecutive week. This recognition, announced by the league office on Monday, highlights Schmidt's impressive performance against Georgetown, where he pitched a remarkable 7.0 scoreless innings, allowing just two hits and one walk while striking out six batters.
In the game that took place on April 25, Schmidt faced the minimum number of batters in three innings, showcasing his dominance on the mound. The Musketeers ultimately secured a thrilling 6-2 victory in 10 innings, further solidifying their standing in the conference.
Adding to the team's accolades, sophomore Clay Burdette also made headlines by earning a spot on the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll. Burdette had a standout week, leading the Musketeers with an impressive .438 batting average as they concluded the week with a 4-1 record. He collected seven hits, five walks, and scored seven runs, contributing significantly to the team's success.
During the three-game series against Georgetown, Burdette excelled at the plate with a .556 average, marking five hits and four walks while scoring four runs. His performance was instrumental in the Musketeers' sweep of the Hoyas, which included a decisive 6-2 win in the series opener.
Xavier's recent success has been a result of strong teamwork and individual excellence, with Schmidt and Burdette leading the charge. The Musketeers are now looking forward to continuing their momentum as they prepare for a seven-game homestand, starting with a matchup against Miami (Ohio) on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at Hayden Field, set for a 3:00 p.m. start.
Meanwhile, in the North Star Athletic Association, Hope Ransome from the University of Jamestown has been recognized as the Pitcher of the Week. Ransome's performance was pivotal in helping the Jimmies clinch the league regular-season title outright, finishing the week with a 1-1 record and an impressive earned run average of 1.57.
Over the course of 13 1/3 innings, Ransome allowed only three runs (one unearned) on 13 hits while striking out 10 batters. Additionally, she demonstrated her offensive capability, boasting a .667 batting average (4-for-6) with two RBIs. Her dual-threat ability has made her an invaluable asset to the Jimmies this season.
In another exciting development, the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) announced its weekly baseball honors, with freshman Phil Kramer from New Jersey City University earning the title of NJAC Rookie Pitcher of the Week. This accolade marks the first of Kramer's collegiate career, and it comes after a stellar performance in NJCU's 6-5 win over William Paterson on April 24.
Kramer, a left-handed starter, delivered a standout performance by pitching 7.0 innings and striking out five batters, showcasing his potential as a rising star in the conference. Across his seven starts this season, Kramer has maintained a team-best 5.61 ERA and leads the NJCU pitching staff in several key categories, including fewest hits allowed (57) and runs allowed (35).
As the season progresses, Kramer's contributions will be vital for NJCU as they aim to make a significant impact in the NJAC. His impressive performance not only highlights his talent but also serves as a beacon of hope for the Gothic Knights as they strive for success.
On the high school front, Austin Musso has made waves as the Prep Baseball Illinois Pitcher of the Week. Musso, an Arizona State commit, has been a key player for Mascoutah, which currently boasts a 12-5 record in the competitive Mississippi Valley Conference.
On April 28, Musso delivered a dominant performance against the Highland Bulldogs, leading his team to a 7-0 victory. He threw a complete-game shutout, allowing only two hits while striking out an astonishing 17 batters and walking just one. Musso's arsenal includes a fastball that reaches up to 94 mph, complemented by a sharp slider and a fading changeup, making him one of the most exciting prospects in the region.
Musso's impressive stature at 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, along with his athleticism, has drawn attention from scouts as he continues to rise through the ranks. His contributions on both the mound and at the plate, where he has shown significant power, further solidify his status as a top prospect.
As the baseball season heats up, the performances of these standout athletes highlight the excitement and talent present across various levels of the sport. Whether it's Schmidt's dominance on the mound for Xavier, Ransome's dual-threat capabilities for Jamestown, Kramer's emergence as a rookie star, or Musso's impressive outings for Mascoutah, fans can expect to see thrilling action as teams strive for victory.
With the postseason approaching, every game counts, and the stakes are higher than ever. Fans will be eagerly watching as these players continue to make their mark on the season, showcasing their skills and determination in pursuit of their respective championships.
