Contact: Nicholas Osterloo, Director of Athletics Communication, 630-637-5324

April 27, 2026 – For the third time this season, sophomore Payton Diaz of the North Central College baseball team has earned a College Conference of Illinois & Wisconsin weekly award, securing his second Pitcher of the Week honor.

Diaz has now been named CCIW Pitcher of the Week twice this season and also earned Hitter of the Week honors earlier in the year. His recognition marks the Cardinals' fourth weekly award of the season.

Diaz delivered 6.2 strong innings against Milwaukee School of Engineering on Saturday, not allowing an earned run. He picked up the win while striking out six and issuing no walks. Diaz allowed just five hits and two unearned runs in the outing, handing MSOE only its ninth loss of the season. Diaz retired 12 consecutive batters between the first and fifth innings and finished the week with a 0.00 ERA.

North Central travels to Butterfield Park in Elmhurst, Illinois, on Friday, May 1, for a 3 p.m. matchup with Elmhurst University. The Cardinals will then host the Bluejays for a doubleheader on Saturday, May 2, to conclude the series.