AIKEN, S.C. – University of South Carolina Aiken baseball standout Joseph Benitez has been named the Willie Jewell's USC Aiken Athletic Department Student-Athlete of the Week for the week ending April 2, 2017.

Benitez, a senior from Crofton, Md., registered a victory for USC Aiken Friday evening against Flagler.

The left-handed pitcher tossed a complete-game shutout of the Saints. He gave up just six hits – all of which were singles – in the win.

Benitez struck out eight batters in the game and did not walk anyone. He is now 6-2 on the season and leads the Peach Belt Conference in strikeouts.

Benitez is also second in the league in wins and fourth in earned run average.

The Willie Jewell's USC Aiken Athletic Department Student-Athlete of the Week honors one student-athlete each week from an in-season sport for their hard work and effort.