As the closer for the Chico State baseball team, Mike Botelho isn’t asked to throw multiple innings – just get outs and get the Wildcats into the clubhouse with a win. Last week, the junior from Castro Valley posted the same impressive results he’s delivered all season, saving two games and not allowing a run or hit in three appearances. For his role in helping the Chico State register weekend wins over Cal State East Bay, the hard-throwing right hander is the latest recipient of the Wildcat of the Week award.
In his three no-hit, no-run innings, Botelho fanned four hitters and walked one. He pitched the ninth inning of Chico State's 7-3 win against Cal State Monterey Bay Monday, allowing one walk and striking out a batter. Botelho then earned the save in Chico State's 4-2 win against Cal State East Bay Friday, striking out two without allowing a baserunner. He collected his sixth save of the season in Saturday's first game, a 7-4 win, retiring the side in order and notching a strikeout.
Botelho, now tied for the CCAA lead in saves this season with six, boasts a 1-0 record and 1.42 ERA in 12 appearances this season. He's allowed just two earned runs on five hits in 12.2 innings, while striking out 15. Opponents are hitting just .119 against the transfer from Chabot Community College.
The Wildcats are back in action this Friday through Sunday, traveling to southern California for an important four-game conference series against Cal State L.A.
