HOLLY SPRINGS, N.C. The Coastal Plain League announced today that ODU infielder Nick Lustrino (Spring Lake, NJ.) was named the 919 Marketing Hitter of the Week, while Levi Gessell of High Point-Thomasville was named the 919 Marketing Pitcher of the Week for the first week of CPL action (May 26 – May 31.) Lustrino, a junior at Old Dominion, started the season on a tear batting .529 over five games with nine total hits, two of which were for extra-bases giving him an impressive .571 slugging percentage. The 6-0, 185-pounder also played the part of catalyst for the Pilots, walking twice, stealing two bases and scoring five runs to help Peninsula to a 4-1 record on the week.
On the mound, Gessell was almost unhitabble in his summer debut, going seven innings, allowing only one hit and striking out four for a staggering .048 opponent batting average and 0.43 WHIP. The freshman out of Liberty, did not allow a run and earned the win combining on an 8-0 shutout over Holly Springs on May 29.
About the Coastal Plain League:
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 19th season in 2015, the CPL features 15 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts. Furthermore, the CPL has had over 1,200 alumni drafted and 79 alums – including former AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander – make their Major League debut thus far; while another notable alum – Russell Wilson – won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at CoastalPlain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as CPLBaseball).