DENVER - Fresno State first baseman Brian Pierce and Rice right-handed pitcher Jeff Niemann have been named the Western Athletic Conference Baseball Player and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, for May 12-18.
Pierce, a senior from Clovis, Calif. (Clovis HS), hit .538 (7-for-13) with six RBI, four runs scored and three home runs in helping the Bulldogs win two of three games at Nevada over the weekend. On Friday, he went 3-for-4 with two home runs and a career-high four RBI in an 11-7 win. Two days later, he went 3-for-5 with two singles and another home run. Pierce also had a double, stole two bases and raised his season batting average in the three games from .264 to .289.
It is Pierce's first career WAC Player of the Week award and third for a Bulldog this season.
Niemann, a sophomore from Houston, Texas (Lamar HS), pitched seven innings in Rice's 11-0 win over San Jose State on Saturday to improve to 13-0 on the season. He struck out eight, walked two and allowed five hits.
It is Niemann's third career WAC Pitcher of the Week award and eighth for an Owl this season.
Other player of the week nominations included: freshman shortstop/outfielder Robert Marcial, Nevada; and junior outfielder Jeff Jorgensen, Rice.
Additional pitcher of the week nominations included: senior Zak Basch, Nevada; and junior Jose Amaya, San Jose State.
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