Baseball Places Four On NCBWA All-Midwest Region Teams
2023 NCBWA All-Midwest Region Teams
MIDLAND, Mich. – The Northwood University baseball team had four student-athletes earn All-Midwest Region honors from the National College Baseball Writers Association.
The All-Region teams were announced Thursday (May 18).
Starting pitcher Derek Clark was named First Team All-Region. Catcher Matt Magno and centerfielder Jacob Rybicki were named Second Team. Blake Salamon earned Honorable Mention at utility.
Clark's record-breaking career continued this season, currently standing at 10-2 overall with a 2.78 ERA. This season, he has set Northwood records for strikeouts in a seaons (104) and innings pitched (103 2/3). Clark also holds the NU career records for wins (22), strikeouts (259) and innings pitches (264.0).
Magno currently sports a .349 batting average with seven home runs and 56 RBIs. A Second Team All-Great Midwest honoree, Magno currently ranks second in school history with 237 career hits and 158 career RBIs.
Northwood's leadoff hitter, Rybicki currently stand with a .333 batting average with seven home runs and 49 RBIs. He was named First Team All-Great Midwest this season. Rybicki has 23 doubles this season, which ties him for second on the NU all-time single-season list. He currently ranks in the top-five in school history in career hits (197), doubles (49), triples (seven), home runs (28), runs (185), stolen bases (81) and walks (125).
Salamon has turned in a remarkable breakthrough season at the plate for the Timberwolves in 2023, currently batting .327 with 22 home runs and 63 RBIs. He has set Northwood single-season records this year in home runs, RBIs and total bases (158). In the opening game of the NCAA Tournament against Wayne State May 18, Salamon went 5-6 with three doubles, two home runs and seven RBIs.
Northwood is currently 42-17 overall, having won both the Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles. The Timberwolves opened NCAA Tournament play with a dramatic 13-11 comeback win over Wayne State. NU will now face Quincy Friday (May 19). First pitch is set for 1 p.m. (Eastern Time).