MARYSVILLE — Junior Nolan Lechner has been consistent all season for Marysville Getchell.

As a pitcher, he has thrown 61 strikes out of 74 pitches.

His pitching helped the Chargers defeat Mariner 9-2 April 20.

As a result he is the Marysville Globe-Arlington Times Athlete of the Week.

“I had a good defense behind me,” Lechner said. “They just made the plays they needed to and I just try to get them the ball.”

“I think he did another great job of just giving us a chance on the bump,” coach Gabriel Rochon said. “Every time out he has given us a chance.”

Lechner says his best pitch is his fast ball, but Rochon says what makes Lechner special is his confidence.

“The biggest strength that he has is he’s not over powering but he trusts his fastball,” Rochon said. “As long as he locates it and keeps it down in the zone he’s going to be able to get guys out just by hitters getting themselves out.”

Lechner has been playing baseball since he first remembered picking up a ball and throwing it.

He’s stuck with baseball mostly because of the team atmosphere. He’s played other sports, like tennis for MG, but baseball is definitely his passion.

“At first I enjoyed tennis because it’s something to do and then I had fun with it,” Lechner said. “It keeps my arm moving throughout the off season.”

Lechner’s confidence converts to courage no matter what he throws.

“He’s confident in every single pitch that he has,” Rochon said. “That’s really tough to find in a lot of pitchers. He goes after the hitters and keeps the defense in it.”

Lechner hopes to play well enough to help his team win more games and make the playoffs. He’s not sure if he’ll continue playing after high school, but if the opportunity presents itself, he sees himself doing it.

Along with high school, he is enrolled in Running Start where he takes classes at Everett Community College. He is interested in math-based subjects.