Ball State sophomore pitcher Nestor Bautista anxiously hoped to be named Most Valuable Player for the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters of the 16-team collegiate Northwoods League.
Bautista's hopes were answered. He received over half the vote, earning the honorable accolade for his summer league team.
"It was a close competition," Bautista said. "I was kind of nervous. At the end, they [called my name] and I felt very happy."
Bautista started 13 games for the Rafters, tossing 69.2 innings, second best on the team.
The left-hander posted 46 strikeouts en route to recording a 3.75 ERA. Six of his 13 outings were quality starts, allowing three or less earned runs in at least six innings pitched. Only twice he allowed more than three runs.
During his freshman season this spring, Bautista made 14 appearances and five starts for the Cardinals. His career mark came against Big Ten rival Indiana on March 23, when he pitched 4.2 innings, tallying four strikeouts.
Bautista said being named MVP showed him what he's capable of accomplishing in the future.
"It showed me how much work I put into this season," he said. "It motivated me to keep working hard for this season and keep achieving my goals."
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