Riverdale, NY (May 17, 2004)- Manhattan College junior first baseman
Chris Gaskin and freshman infielder
Nick Derba were named MAAC Player and Rookie of the Week, respectively; it was announced today by the conference office.
Gaskin was on fire last week, batting .667 (8-12) including hitting for the cycle in the finale of Manhattan's three game sweep at Canisius. In the finale, Gaskin doubled to lead off the second, singled with two out in the third, connected on a two-run homer in the seventh, and completed the cycle with a two-RBI triple in the eighth. For the week he tallied two doubles, two homers, one triple, and knocked in nine runs, while scoring eight. He totaled 18 total bases, with a 1.500 slugging % and a .706 on base percentage. He also posted 22 putouts with only one error. Gaskin currently leads the team with a .361 batting average.
Derba batted .462 on the week, with seven runs scored and four RBI to help the Jaspers to the three game sweep of Canisius. He posted a .769 slugging percentage and a .588 on base percentage batting leadoff and splitting time between shortstop and third base. On the season, Derba is batting .309, with 23 RBI.
This marks the first time Manhattan has received Player of the Week honors since former Jasper Wendell Anderson received the honor May 13, 2002. Derba's selection marks the first Manhattan Rookie of the Week selection since John Fitzpatrick and Kyle Wirtz received back-to-back Rookie of the Week selection last season.
The Jaspers are currently 20-23-1, 13-9 in MAAC play. Manhattan returns to the diamond on Tuesday, May 18, when the Jaspers host Pace University in a doubleheader slated to begin at 1:00 p.m.
