Stanford Athletics

Nick Dugan is playing his best baseball at the business end of the season.

The former St. Bernard’s standout helped Stanford to a pair of elimination-game victories in the regional playoffs on Sunday.

The Cardinal freshman got the first win of his college career in a relief appearance against Cal State Fullerton early in the day and followed that with his first save of the season in another must-win game against Texas A&M on Sunday night.

Almost exactly one year to the day since he struck out 13 consecutive batters to close out the Crusaders’ NorCal championship game victory against Alpha Charter — Tuesday marks the anniversary of that legendary performance — Dugan had his best day ever in a college uniform.

In a 6-5 win over Fullerton, the 2022 SB graduate threw 3.2 innings and gave up just one run on three hits. 

He also pitched 3.2 shutout innings to close out the game in a 13-5 win over Texas A&M, allowing four hits and one walk and striking out six.

Dugan has steadily improved in his first collegiate season, and saw his ERA drop to a season-low 7.26 after Sunday’s performances.

The Cardinal will play a third straight elimination game on Monday night, when they take on Texas A&M once again with a place in next weekend’s NCAA Super Regionals up for grabs.