ST. PAUL, Minn. --- Minnesota State sophomore right-handed pitcher Blake Schwartz has been named Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Schwartz, a native of Rosemount, Minn., was named NSIC Pitcher of the Year by the league coaches after leading the NSIC during league play with nine starts, seven wins and 59.0 innings pitched. His 2.59 ERA was the second lowest in the NSIC this season and his 21 runs allowed (17 earned) was tied for fifth best. His 45 strikeouts were also good for fifth in the league while he held his opponent’s batting average to .241 (sixth best in the NSIC). Schwartz was named NSIC Pitcher of the Week on May 6th after he pitched a 5-0 complete game shutout over St. Cloud State.

Schwartz, who was also named First-Team All-NSIC and NSIC Gold Glove Team, becomes the ninth Maverick in program history to earn conference Pitcher of the Year honors and the first to do so since MSU joined the NSIC in 1998. The last MSU pitcher to win the award was Chris Rupert who won the award when the Mavericks were members of the North Central Conference in 2001.

Junior right-handed pitcher Luke Putz, a native of Lacona, Iowa, was a named First Team All-NSIC as a relief pitcher. During league play, Putz recorded a team-best three saves in 11 appearances, a 2.92 ERA and 17 strike outs.

Second Team All-NSIC Mavericks included senior right-handed pitcher Patrick Lenton, junior right-handed pitcher Bret Mitchell, junior catcher Steven Helget and senior third basemanKosuke Hattori.

NSIC Gold Glove Team Mavericks included sophomore first baseman Matt Odegaardand junior outfielder Danny Miller.

The Mavericks, who stand 37-12 for the year, continue competition in the 2010 NSIC tournament today (Thursday) at 3:00 p.m. in St. Cloud, Minn., when they will take on St. Cloud State.

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