Mariano Gomez, the right‑handed ace of the Vikings, has been selected to the D2CCA All‑Central Region First Team, a distinction that underscores his commanding presence on the mound this year.
His season statistics read like a masterclass in control: a 2.40 earned run average, a perfect 7‑0 record in conference play, and 65 strikeouts that placed him atop the league. Overall, he finished 8‑0 with a 4.11 ERA and 85 strikeouts across 65 2/3 innings.
Moments of brilliance
One of the season’s highlights came on April 9, when Gomez threw a no‑hitter against Winona State, fanning ten batters and allowing no baserunners. The performance earned him the NCBWA Pitcher of the Week award and reinforced his reputation as a shutdown pitcher.
Beyond individual feats, Gomez anchors a pitching staff that tops the nation with a 10.0 strikeouts‑per‑nine‑innings rate. Opponents manage just a .211 batting average against him, a testament to his ability to dominate hitters across the board.
Postseason ambitions
The Vikings now turn their attention to a best‑of‑three Super Regional against Central Missouri, set to begin Thursday night at 5 p.m. The series will test the team’s depth and resilience as they aim to extend their season and chase a national title.
Coaches and teammates alike speak of Gomez’s calm demeanor and relentless work ethic as key ingredients for the upcoming battles. His ability to elevate his game when it matters most has already inspired a collective belief that the squad can compete with the nation’s best.