RICHMOND, Va. – University of Delaware freshman Rich O’Donald has been named the Colonial Athletic Association Pitcher of the Week as selected by the league office.

With the honor, O’Donald becomes the first freshman in program history to earn conference Pitcher of the Week nods.

On Sunday, the Wilmington native earned his first career victory after firing eight innings of scoreless ball against Marist College. During just his third career start, O’Donald struck out four and scattered four hits in an 8-3 victory over the Red Foxes.

Throughout the game, the freshman right-hander was nearly unhittable. He retired the side in order five times and never allowed a runner to advance past second base.

His performance marked the longest scoreless outing by a Blue Hen starter since Mike McGuire fired 8.1 innings of spotless ball against Old Dominion in the 2007 CAA Championships.

O'Donald's showing against Marist was his second quality start in a row after picking up a no-decision against Manhattan on March 8. During that game, he allowed just two runs in six innings of work against the high-powered Jasper offense.

After the first four weeks of the season, O’Donald is 1-1 with seven strikeouts in 18 innings of work. His 4.50 ERA ranks second on the team and leads all Blue Hen starters. His .200 batting-average-against is also the finest on the squad.

O’Donald’s honor is the second conference award for the Blue Hens in as many weeks. Bill Merkler was named the Player of the Week on March 10 for his performance against Manhattan.

Along with O’Donald, the CAA honored James Madison’s Matt Browning as the Player of the Week, while Georgia State’s Brandon Williams was named the top freshman.