University Park, Pa. — Junior standout Dave Walkling has been honored as the Big Ten Pitcher of the Week after piecing together a pair of outstanding performances during his first two career starts with the Penn State baseball team.
During the week, Walkling started against Old Dominion last Tuesday before battling Norfolk State on Sunday. In his two outings, he combined to toss nine innings of scoreless ball while scattering three hits and striking out 16. After earning a no-decision against the Monarchs, he picked up his team-leading fourth win against the Spartans.
His week was highlighted by a masterful performance against Norfolk State. During the seven-inning contest, he flirted with history after tossing 5.1 innings of no-hit ball. Although he eventually surrendered a looping single to left, Walkling finished the game with a career-high 11 strikeouts and allowed only one hit in six sensational innings.
Against the Spartans, he struck out the side twice and whiffed a pair in two other innings. For his efforts during Penn State’s 5-0 victory, Walkling improved to 4-0 on the season, which ties him for the national lead in victories.
Earlier in the week, he made his first career start at Penn State and tossed three innings against Old Dominion. In a sign of things to come, he struck out five, including a pair during each of the first two innings. Although he earned a no decision for his performance, he allowed just two hits while helping the Nittany Lions earn a 6-1 win.
In five appearances this season, Walkling is 4-0 with a pristine 1.10 ERA. Over 16.1 innings of work, he has 22 strikeouts while holding the opposition to a .190 batting average. He currently leads the Big Ten in wins, ranks second in ERA and strikeouts, and third in opponents batting average. His two runs allowed are also tied with teammate Heath Johnson for the fewest in the conference, while his 11 strikeouts-looking are the most in the league.
During four of his five outings this season, he has held the opposition scoreless. He has also struck out at least five in three of those appearances and surrendered one walk or fewer on four occasions.
Walkling and the rest of the Penn State baseball team will return to action on Friday when the Nittany Lions head to Kansas and battle Wichita State at 7:30 p.m. ET.