May 16, 2005
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – For the second week in a row, a Lobo pitcher has earned Mountain West Pitcher of the Week honors. This week, senior right-hander Karsten Gaarder (Arlington, Texas) was named the top pitcher of the week by the conference office after throwing a four-hit complete-game shutout in last Thursday’s 16-0 victory over San Diego State. This marks the second time this season Gaarder has won the award. Danny Ray Herrera won the award last week for UNM.
Gaarder was masterful against the Aztecs, striking out six and only walking three in his first complete game as a Lobo. Only three runners advanced to second base, and none reached third, as he only gave up one extra-base hit. He got even stronger as the game ended, retiring eight of the last nine batters he faced.
The complete-game shutout was the first for a Lobo pitcher since Jamie Vermilyea threw a six-hit shutout against New Mexico Highlands on Feb. 8, 2003. It was the first time the Lobos have shut out San Diego State since April 26, 1985.
Gaarder was also named the Mountain West Pitcher of the Week Feb. 14 for his eight-strikeout performance in a win over New Mexico State at Isotopes Park.