Clarksville, Ark.-University of the Ozarks freshman pitcher Jake Estrada earned national acclaim for his February performances as he was voted the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Co-Rookie of the Month, the organization announced Wednesday (March 1).
     
The right-hander from West Covina, Calif., went 2-0 with a 2.61 ERA over 20 2/3 innings in February. He started three games, allowed eight runs (six earned) on 18 hits, and struck out 20. Estrada is coming off eight innings of shutout baseball in a 16-0 win over LeTourneau last weekend. Estrada struck out nine in that game en route to earning American Southwest Conference Pitcher of the Week honors.

Estrada shared the honor with Ryan Kramer from The College of Wooster. The February honors cover all games played February 1-26. The Division III committee will resume the traditional weekly selections and weekly submission criteria next week with the uptick in teams beginning action this week.  

The Eagles are in action this weekend against Hardin-Simmons University March 3-4 in Texas. Estrada starred at Rowland High School.

Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters, and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates, and official votes in the Dick Howser Player of the Year Award, Regional Player of the Year, and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors preseason All-America awards, publication contests, and writing contests.