Gavin Kinney says that he doesn't really like to eat cheese. He does like to throw it. The sophomore hurler secured his second three-inning save of the season on Wednesday against Simpson University, striking out five in three innings of work, to earn Wildcat of the Week honors.
Kinney carved up the Red Hawks, allowing just a pair of singles, to close the door on Chico State's 14-5 win in the first game of a doubleheader. The outing was very similar to his previous one in which he struck out three and allowed only one hit in three scoreless innings in a 3-0 win at Fresno Pacific.
The transfer from Palomar Community College has now compiled 14 strikeouts while allowing only six hits and two walks in eight and two-thirds innings of work.
Kinney did not get to play in his first year as a Wildcat in 2021, but that did not keep him from achieving some great things. Kinney was named a California Collegiate Athletic Association All-Academic Award winner and a Division II Athletic Directors Association Academic Achievement Award winner. That continued a string of similar achievements. Kinney captured Academic All-State honors at Palomar in 2020.
Kinney and the Wildcats open CCAA play this weekend with a four-game home series against rival Sonoma State. The series opens with a single game Friday at 2 p.m., continues with a doubleheader Saturday at noon, and concludes with a single game Sunday at noon.
HELP US PACK THE PANTRY!
It's Chico State Athletics Pack the Pantry Week and we have set a big goal—10,000 items—which would break the record we set last year. We need your help to reach it. You can donate monetarily
HERE and every dollar will count for two items. You can also drop off a donation at any of Chico State Athletics' 12 basketball, softball, and baseball games this weekend or at the Pantry itself Monday through Friday until 3 p.m., or by calling 530-898-4098 to make arrangements. Thank you for your support of Chico State's students, including student-athletes!
