2005: A two-time West Division Pitcher of the Week selection ... struck out a career high 10 batters after six innings of work at Purdue, March 26 ... earned first win of the season at Toledo after pitching a complete game ... collected second win at Eastern Michigan in eight innings after striking out nine batters ... threw another complete game for his third win versus Bowling Green ... fanned nine batters that game ... with the win it secured the Broncos in the 2005 MAC Tournament ... led the team in total strikeouts (66) ... second in innings pitch (81.2) ... ranked first in ERA (2.98) ... threw two complete games with one save ... ranked among the top 10 in the MAC in ERA.
2004: Proved to be a threat on the mound as a freshman ... pitched a total of 5.0 innings in collegiate debut versus Florida A&M, Feb. 27 ... pitched 7.1 innings and fanned a season high nine batters against Ohio State, Mar. 7 ... came in as a closer versus Cleveland State to earn first save of the season, Mar. 28 ... earned first win in a conference match up against Toledo, Apr. 3 after giving up only four hits and striking out five batters ... worked three innings at Illinois to earn second victory of the season ... earned second conference victory against in-state rival Eastern Michigan after 5.2 innings and striking out a league high six batters, Apr. 17 ... earned fourth win of the season against Kent State to help pave the way for former Bronco head coach Fred Decker’s 300th conference victory, May 16 ... finished the season with a 4-5 overall record and three saves while striking out a total of 46 batters.
Mount Carmel High School: As a senior, batted .431 with 45 hits, 11 doubles, and 32 stolen bases ... he had a 3.14 ERA and struck out 66 batters ... his team earned regional and sectional championships during his junior year ... received all-conference and all-area awards ... was also a part of his high school's state championship football team ... Academically, was on the honor roll.
Personal: Born in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 12, 1984 ... the son of Jim and Cathy O’Brien ... has one brother, Brendan. Father attended St. Benedict/DePaul and mother went to Western Illinois.
