DENVER – New Mexico State third baseman Derek Umphres and Texas-Pan American right-hander Sam Street have been named the Western Athletic Conference Baseball Hitter and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, for March 31-April 6.
Umphres, a sophomore from Safford, Ariz. (Safford HS), hit .500 (8-for-16), striking out only one time in four games last week. The Aggies went 3-1 on the week, while sweeping WAC opponent Northern Colorado and falling to in-state rival New Mexico. Umphres picked up seven singles and a home run while finishing the week with nine RBI and a .688 slugging percentage. Umphres also tallied two walks and two sacrifice flies while not allowing a single error on defense. He did what he could in a loss to the Lobos on April 2 as he was 2-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. In a series-opening win over Northern Colorado, Umphres went 4-for-5 with two RBI and three runs scored. He is currently hitting a team-high .345 on the year with 39 hits and 24 RBI.
Street, a senior from Melbourne, Australia (St. Leonard’s College), worked a career-high 10 innings in a complete game 2-1 win. Street tallied eight strikeouts without walking anyone while allowing just four singles. He retired 25 of the final 27 batters he faced. He threw 83 of his 110 pitches for strikes (75.5 percent). Street becomes the first Bronc to go 10 innings in a start since 2006. Street now holds a perfect 7-0 record and has pitched five complete games this season.
The other hitter of the week nominations: Grand Canyon sophomore shortstop Paul Panaccione … North Dakota senior outfielder Patrick Riewer … Sacramento State junior first baseman Rhys Hoskins … Texas-Pan American senior right fielder Alex Howe … Utah Valley senior outfielder Sean Moysh.
The other pitcher of the week nominations: Grand Canyon freshman Ethan Evanko … New Mexico State junior Riley Barr … Sacramento State freshman Jared Paderez … Seattle U sophomore Will Dennis … Utah Valley senior Devin Nelson.