Northwestern University Athletics
Matthew Kouser Named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
2/17/2025 4:00:00 PM | Baseball
EVANSTON, Ill. – After an outstanding debut in a 4-3 win at Long Beach State on Sunday, first-year right-handed pitcher Matthew Kouser has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Kouser earned the win in his first collegiate start, surrendering just one earned run on two hits, four walks, and a hit by pitch, striking out one in six innings of action. The victory clinched Northwestern's first season opening series win since 2008.Big Ten Freshman of the Week ??
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) February 17, 2025
After an outstanding debut, @kouser_matt earns Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors! pic.twitter.com/jhpdZ7U1eQ
The Haddonfield, N.J. native combined with Blake MacMillan and Sam Hliboki to limit the Dirtbags to just three hits, the fewest by a Northwestern opponent in nine innings since March 20, 2022, when Northwestern allowed just one hit in an 8-1 victory over Evansville.
Kouser is Northwestern's 13th Big Ten Freshman of the Week since the award was introduced, and NU's first since March 16, 2022, when Sean Sullivan won the award after a seven-inning shutout of St. Thomas, allowing three hits and striking out 11 in a 9-0 win.
Up next, Northwestern will travel to Cary, N.C. for a four-game neutral site slate, squaring off with Indiana, Harvard, and Fordham (twice). The 'Cats are scheduled to open the weekend on Friday at 3 p.m. CT against Indiana. Northwestern will play a Saturday doubleheader, facing Harvard at 11 a.m. CT and Fordham at 6 p.m. CT. The Wildcats will close out the weekend against Fordham at 12 p.m. CT on Sunday.
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