Senior Ryder Chalk of St. Mary’s College of Maryland earned the United East Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Week honor on Monday, April 7, 2025, as announced by the conference office. The recognition marks the first career weekly award for the right-hander from Sykesville, Maryland, who led the Seahawks to a shutout victory last week.
Chalk’s standout performance came in a 6-0 win over Cairn University on April 5, part of a doubleheader split in league play. The 6-foot pitcher threw eight scoreless innings, allowing just four hits while striking out three to secure his third win of the season. His effort anchored a strong week for St. Mary’s, which also included a 16-1 rout of Notre Dame of Maryland University on April 2. The Seahawks dropped the second game against Cairn 9-8, finishing the week with a 2-1 record.
In the United East Conference standings, Chalk ranks ninth with opponents batting .281 against him. He also sits 13th with a 5.45 ERA and has logged 33.0 innings pitched this season. His consistency and command on the mound have been key for St. Mary’s, which holds a 5-2 record in conference play and an overall mark of 5-10.
The Seahawks return to action on Tuesday, April 8, traveling to face Notre Dame (Md.) at 3 p.m. at Joe Cannon Stadium in Hanover, Maryland. The game wraps up a season series with the Gators, offering Chalk and his teammates a chance to build on their recent success.
Chalk joins a list of pitchers honored by the United East this season. Previous recipients include Bradyn Eckert of Penn State Harrisburg (February 24 and March 31), Fisher Druck of Penn State Harrisburg (March 3), Sean Brennan of Keystone (March 10), Parker Zook of Penn State Berks (March 17), and Greg Jessup of Cairn (March 24). Chalk’s award highlights his emergence as a top performer in the conference as the season progresses.
St. Mary’s has leaned on its pitching staff to stay competitive in the United East. The team’s 16-1 win over Notre Dame showcased its offensive potential, while the split with Cairn underscored the importance of strong outings like Chalk’s. The shutout victory marked a high point, with Chalk scattering hits and keeping Cairn’s lineup in check over eight frames, per the official box score from the United East website.
Joe Cannon Stadium, the site of Tuesday’s matchup, is a familiar venue for Maryland college teams. Opened in 2002, it has hosted various amateur and professional games, according to the Maryland Sports website. For St. Mary’s, the neutral-site contest offers a chance to refine their game before diving deeper into conference play.
Chalk’s recognition reflects his growth as a senior leader for the Seahawks. With a challenging schedule ahead, his ability to limit opposing offenses will be critical as St. Mary’s aims to climb the United East standings.
