Ryan Jacobs’ teammates knew that every time he stepped on the rubber, he would give them a chance to win.From the moment he stepped on the hill in a Behrend uniform, Jacobs was a true workhorse. He set new school records for innings pitched (263.4) and career wins (28) for the Behrend baseball team from 2009-13. He also became the first player in program history to throw a perfect game, recording the feat on April 14, 2013. During his time at Behrend, Jacobs also helped the Lions win two AMCC Championships and one ECAC South Championship.
In his first season, Jacobs tied for the most wins with a 7-3 record, recording the second-best ERA on the team (4.00). On his way to All-AMCC Second Team honors, he threw three complete games in 13 starts, striking out 46 batters.
No moment was too big for Jacobs. As a freshman, he started in the AMCC Championship game. He allowed only one run in a complete game effort over Frostburg St en route to an AMCC title and a NCAA Tournament berth in 2010.
The success continued for Jacobs and the Lions in 2011 as he earned five wins with a team-high 65.2 innings pitched and 61 strikeouts. He once again stepped up in the AMCC Tournament, throwing a complete game with nine strikeouts against Medaille.
His right arm went to another level in 2012. He notched All-AMCC First Team honors and was named the Team’s Most Valuable Pitcher, tying the school record for single-season strikeouts with 83 and posting eight wins with a 3.62 ERA. Jacobs helped the Lions to the ECAC South Championship title.
As a last hoorah in 2013, Jacobs won an abundance of individual awards, while also leading the team to another AMCC Championship.
As a senior, he led the team with an 8-1 record and a 1.37 earned-run average. Jacobs struck out 49 batters in 59 innings of work with opponent’s hitting a measly .203 against him. With his eight wins in 2013, Jacobs put his name in the record books with 28 career wins over four seasons. He was named the AMCC Player of the Year and garnered All-AMCC First Team, ABCA Mideast All-Region Team Third and ECAC All-South All-Star Second Team honors. He also was selected for a second straight season as the Team’s Most Valuable Pitcher.