April 6 was a big day for CWU baseball; junior starting pitcher Jonathan Garza ll mowed through Saint Martin University’s lineup not allowing one batter to record a hit in seven innings of work. This game ultimately resulted in an 11-0 win for the Cats and gave head coach Desi Storey an eventful way to earn career win 700. 

Garza is out of Othello, Washington and stands at six feet tall and 185 pounds. He leads the team in strikeouts as well as total innings pitched. Garza was primarily used as a relief pitcher last season but has worked his way towards being one of the most dangerous arms out of the starting pitchers.

“I mean, everybody is chasing the no hitter during the defense and all but when I was pitching, I was just trying to finish the game,” Garza said. “I just wanted us to get that W so it was a big sigh of relief at the end.”

In his previous matchup vs. Saint Martin’s University, it was not the greatest outing from Garza, where in 2.2 innings he allowed seven hits, four earned runs, two walks and didn’t record a single strikeout before being pulled. But he completely flipped the script in his next matchup with them. The following game came around and he pitched the full seven innings and had six strikeouts.

“Last time I had been a little injured and they kind of hit me around a little bit,” Garza said. “So I knew coming into this game I needed to be on my A-game to give us the best shot at winning. I definitely went in there trying to dominate and it was nice you know, to kind of dominate that game and show them that I am good enough to play against them.”

Family is something that has given Garza motivation throughout his career. Like any baseball dad his father is always in his ear letting him know what he could improve on while also continuing to be his biggest fan.

“My dad has always been my biggest supporter and my biggest critic,” Garza said. “So when I’m having great games, he’s the guy who will tell me first and when I am having a not so great game. He is the one who let me know of it for sure.”

Junior catcher Travis Helm is someone who is very familiar with Garza’s pitching as he has spent time in the bullpen helping him warm up. Helm raved about how Garza is always asking for feedback on how his pitches look and looking for the slightest adjustments he can make to be better. 

“Seeing Garza finish the no-hitter was a very surreal moment,” Helm said. “All the guys were filled with happiness for him. Every baseball player dreams of being a part of one and Garza gave us all that opportunity.”

Head coach Desi Storey mentioned how Garza’s competitiveness stands out to him as well as being able to show his maturity. Storey also praised how great of arm strength Garza has and his breaking ball to compliment it. 

“He has worked hard at getting better and his maturity is showing,” Storey said. “He did a great job controlling his emotions during the game and after he was extremely excited. He wanted it.”