UCSB’s Dylan Hecht didn’t allow a single extra-base hit in over 34 innings this season. (UCSB Photo)
For the second consecutive year, a pair of Gauchos have garnered Freshman All-American status, as both Robby Nesovic and Dylan Hecht were named to the Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American Team on Wednesday morning.
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Nesovic, who was named the Big West Freshman Field Player of the Year last week, finished the year with the top on-base percentage on the team (.405), while ranking second in batting average (.326), slugging percentage (.439), and home runs (four). The La Mesa, Calif. native was also strong on the mound for the Gauchos, contributing strong starts against Cal State Fullerton (no runs in 6 2/3 innings on Apr. 14) and UC Davis (6 2/3 innings, no earned runs on May 24.)
Hecht, an All-Big West Second Team selection, emerged as one of the top back-end bullpen options in the conference. In conference play, the Pleasanton, Calif. native paced the conference with seven saves, while ranking second with 15 appearances. The hard throwing righty struck out 45 batters in just 34 1/3 innings while allowing just 19 hits ? none of which were triples or doubles ? and maintaining a 1.83 ERA.
It is the first time in program history that the Gauchos have had multiple Freshman All-Americans in back-to-back years. Andrew Vasquez and Greg Mahle took home the awards in 2012.
“I’m really proud of how these young men performed as first-year players,” said UCSB head coach Andrew Checketts. “They consistently exhibited maturity and composure beyond their years, and are destined to be a big part of this program over the next few seasons.”
Cal State Fullerton and Cal Poly were the only other Big West Schools to have players listed on the Louisville Slugger team.
