Ball State University Athletics
Photo by: Caden Vincent
Garza Named MAC Pitcher of the Week
March 02, 2026 | Baseball
Brendan Garza has been named the Mid-American Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Week, the league office announced Monday afternoon.
Garza twirled a gem on Saturday night at Hawaii, firing a two-hit shutout in Ball State's 1-0 win over the Rainbow Warriors. The sophomore right-handed pitcher for the Cardinals struck out five and allowed only two singles and two walks on the night, with no Hawaii baserunner advancing past first base. Garza worked 1-2-3 innings five times, as he retired the final 12 batters of the game following a leadoff walk in the sixth.
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This was Ball State's first complete game since Merritt Beeker allowed one run in 9.0 frames in May 2024 against Toledo at the Mid-American Conference Tournament and first nine-inning shutout in five years (John Baker against Western Michigan in a 2-0 win on March 19, 2021).
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Garza joined Jacob Gillis as Ball State players with MAC weekly recognitions this season after Gillis was named the Co-Player of the Week last Monday.
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The Cardinals host Central Michigan on Friday afternoon for the conference and home opener.
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Garza twirled a gem on Saturday night at Hawaii, firing a two-hit shutout in Ball State's 1-0 win over the Rainbow Warriors. The sophomore right-handed pitcher for the Cardinals struck out five and allowed only two singles and two walks on the night, with no Hawaii baserunner advancing past first base. Garza worked 1-2-3 innings five times, as he retired the final 12 batters of the game following a leadoff walk in the sixth.
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This was Ball State's first complete game since Merritt Beeker allowed one run in 9.0 frames in May 2024 against Toledo at the Mid-American Conference Tournament and first nine-inning shutout in five years (John Baker against Western Michigan in a 2-0 win on March 19, 2021).
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Garza joined Jacob Gillis as Ball State players with MAC weekly recognitions this season after Gillis was named the Co-Player of the Week last Monday.
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The Cardinals host Central Michigan on Friday afternoon for the conference and home opener.
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Players Mentioned
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