Ball State University Athletics
Nielsen Named MAC West Player Of The Week
February 24, 2009 | Baseball
“I am very happy for Ian,” head coach Greg Beals said. “Getting off to such a great start is a testament to the hard work he has put in during the preseason. We are hoping for many more weekends like this past one.”
Nielsen wins the inaugural award of the season after opening his collegiate career in stellar fashion against Furman last weekend. He posted a .588 batting average (10-of-17) in the four games and recorded a .650 on-base percentage as he reached base 13 times. He tallied two home runs on the weekend, including a solo shot in his first career collegiate at bat Friday afternoon.
Nielsen drove in six runs and scored four times while posting a 1.000 slugging percentage. He reached base at least four times in three of the games on the weekend, including a four-hit output in the Cardinals' victory Saturday in game one of the doubleheader.
Nielsen and the Cardinals will return to action this weekend as they take part in the Austin Peay Baseball Invitational in Clarksville, Tenn. Ball State will play three games on the weekend against Indiana, Cleveland State and host Austin Peay. The Cardinals' first game will be Friday afternoon against the Hoosiers at 11 a.m.
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