DENVER – Chicago State infielder Julian Russell and Texas-Pan American right-hander Sam Street have been named the Western Athletic Conference Baseball Hitter and Pitcher of the Week, respectively, for May 12-18.
Russell, a sophomore from Chicago, Ill. (Gordon Tech HS), hit .706 (12-for-17), to lead Chicago State to a 2-2 record last week in a four-game series at New Mexico State. In the 14-7 win in the series opener, Russell went 4-for-5 at the plate with three runs scored, a walk, and a stolen base. He also went 4-for-5 in the series finale with four runs scored, a double, and a stolen base. Overall on the week, Russell registered eight runs, 12 hits, two RBI, two doubles, two walks and a stolen base. He struck out only one time in his 17 at bats. He recorded an .824 slugging percentage and a .750 on-base percentage over the four games.
Street, a senior from Melbourne, Australia (St. Leonard’s College), pitched his seventh-straight complete game and NCAA-leading 11th of the season while moving back into a tie for the NCAA lead in wins by striking out nine and scattering four hits and one walk. He gave up only one run in 9.0 innings of work for the 8-1 victory.
The other hitter of the week nominations: Grand Canyon junior second baseman Chad De La Guerra … New Mexico State senior outfielder Michael Paulson … North Dakota junior shortstop Tyler Follis … Sacramento State sophomore infielder Nathan Lukes … Texas-Pan American senior third baseman Alberto Morales.
The other pitcher of the week nominations: Grand Canyon sophomore Andrew Naderer … New Mexico State junior Robert Kraft … Sacramento State junior Brennan Leitao … Seattle U senior Mac Acker.