In his final start in Lenda and Glenda Hill Stadium and TFO Partners Field, Hillsdale College pitcher and senior Drew Olssen saved his best for last.
Olssen had a stellar performance on the mound in a 14-0 victory over Kentucky Wesleyan on Saturday, and for his play was named the G-MAC Baseball Pitcher of the Week by the conference office on Monday afternoon. It's Olssen's first weekly conference honor this season and the first in his five-year career.
The Carmel, Indiana native was nearly untouchable on the mound on Saturday, throwing a complete game two-hitter with five strikeouts and one walk, allowing just three total baserunners and none past second base in a dominant start. It was the fewest hits allowed by the Chargers in a game this season and the fewest since a 6-4 victory over Wayne State on April 26, 2022, also a two-hitter by the Chargers.
Olssen's gem is the capper on a season where the senior has quietly been one of Hillsdale's most effective pitchers, even though it hasn't always paid off in pitching victories added to his resume. Olssen has a solid 3.33 ERA in 11 appearances and seven starts, the best among Hillsdale pitchers with at least one start, and 38 strikeouts to just 18 walks. Throughout his career, Olssen has been a solid performer for the Chargers on the mound, battling through injuries to enter this weekend with a 9-5 record in 33 appearances and 112.2 innings pitched, with 88 strikeouts to 49 walks and a 5.51 ERA. He's been an important part of Hillsdale's late-season push for the G-MAC Tournament.
Hillsdale will rely on Olssen again this weekend in a crucial weekend series against Walsh, with the Chargers at 14-14 overall and looking to clinch a spot in the G-MAC Tourney on the road, with two doubleheaders on Thursday and Friday.
Photo by Steve George