After demonstrating a clutch offensive performance at the plate, sophomore outfielder Isaiah Hernandez of the University of California, Riverside (UCR) baseball team has been named UCR Student-Athlete of the Week, showing how trusting the process can truly pay off.
The recognition comes following a standout game against California State University, Northridge (CSUN), where Hernandez delivered a walk-off single to secure the Highlanders’ victory on Saturday, April 11 at the Riverside Sports Complex. In addition to achieving the game-winning hit, the sophomore recorded three hits, two doubles and three RBIs, setting new career highs across the board.
Despite such a high pressure moment, Hernandez kept it simple as he approached the plate.
“My mindset was to just play baseball and have fun,” he stated. “I try to play like I am the best on the field, and the rest will take care of itself.”
Now in his second season with the program, Hernandez continues to build on his development while setting high expectations for himself. Following a rough start during his freshman year, he entered this season establishing personal goals, including improving his batting average and increasing his offensive production.
“Some of my goals were to hit around .330 and reach seven home runs,” he said. “Even with a rough start, I just have to keep myself at a high standard and focus on what’s still attainable.”
While these goals remain in progress, performances like his game against CSUN signal a step in the right direction as he continues to build confidence and contribute in key moments.
As the Highlanders prepare for key Big West matchups, including the upcoming series against Long Beach State and Cal State Bakersfield, the focus for the team remains on consistency and execution.
“We have talked about where we want to be in the standings,” Hernandez explained. “But at the end of the day, we just need to play baseball correctly. If we do that, we are a hard team to beat.”
Alongside the momentum building after the walk-off win, Isaiah Hernandez and the Highlanders are looking to carry that energy into the second half of the season as they hope to push themselves toward conference tournament contention.
“Winning is fun,” he said. “Hopefully that last win gives us momentum moving forward.”
With a season defining moment already under his belt this season, Isaiah Hernandez is proving to be a rising contributor for UCR as the team continues its pursuit of postseason play.
