Hussman pitches way to Pac-10 honor

Tanith L. Balaban Arizona Daily Wildcat UA sophomore pitcher Darrell Hussman delivers a pitch during the Wildcats' match against Stanford. Hussman was named Pacific 10 Conference Southern Division pitcher of the week.

The award comes after Hussman threw his first career shutout and second collegiate complete game, a four-hitter against California last Friday. In the 2-0 victory for the Wildcats, Hussman scattered four singles and two walks, while striking out a career high 10 batters. Only one Golden Bear reached second base in the entire game.

"Going from last year not beging able to get past the fourth inning to winning awards this ... that means our team is playing well" Hussman said.

Hussman becomes only the second pitcher in the conference to have earned the honor twice this season. He first earned the award March 18th after pitching a complete game victory over then No. 1 UCLA. In that contest, Hussman gave up just two base hits aft er the first inning, struck out seven and walked two. At one point in the contest, Hussman retired 15-straight batters in the 4-2 win. Southern California's Randy Flores is the only other pitcher to earn the honor twice this season.

Hussman is currently 4-4, with a 4.97 ERA. The No. 19 Wildcats are 28-16, 11-7 in the Six-Pac.

"It's hard to win," Hussman said. "We've got to work our butts off."

A single swing from Grand Canyon's designated hitter Dan Williams in the first inning ended the Arizona baseball team's scoreless inning streak, but the Wildcats continued their winning streak with a 12-2 victory over the Antelopes Tuesday in Tempe.

Williams hit a two-run home run off junior right handed starter David Quick in the bottom of the first, ending Arizona pitching's scoreless streak at 27. The Wildcats quickly went back to their old ways, shutting out Grand Canyon for the remaining eight i nnings as the Wildcats extended their winning streak to four games.

Freshman first baseman Mike Meyer provided a offensive spark for Arizona, going 2-for-4 with three RBI and three runs scored. Meyer, who hit his fifth double of the season, was also hit by a pitch twice in the game.

Junior right fielder Colin Porter, who was 1-for-3 with three walks and a double, scored four times in the contest.

Using four pitchers in the contest as a warm up for the weekend series against UCLA, Arizona received quality outings from each one. Quick went three innings, allowing four hits, the two runs of the game, while striking out five. Freshman Tony Milo (3-0) picked up the win, pitching the next three innings, giving up just one hit while striking out four and walking none.

Greg Negrete (1-6) took the loss for Grand Canyon as the Antelopes fell to 11-24.