By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Just when he was needed most, sophomore David Hess came through in the clutch for the Tennessee Tech baseball team, helping the Golden Eagles clinch at least a share of the Ohio Valley Conference regular season title.
Hess was absolutely dominant Thursday night, shutting down the Belmont offense behind a career performance. The righty struck out a staggering 11 Bruin batters in just 4.1 innings of work. He faced 14 batters, allowing just one hit and walking none to earn his seventh win of the year. His strikeout total accounted for 85% of his total outs in the contest, the second highest percentage in the nation this season by a pitcher who tossed at least four innings. Five of his 11 Ks were looking.
It is because of his pitching performance over the weekend, that Hess earned adidas OVC co-Pitcher of the Week honors Monday afternoon.
The honor marks the first of the young pitcher's career, although Hess is no stranger to being recognized by the OVC. Last season, he was named to the 2012 OVC All-Freshman Team.
Hess has had a fantastic season for the Golden Eagles, compiling a 7-2 record as both a starter and key relief pitcher out of the bullpen. The sophomore has tossed 60.2 innings, allowing just 66 hits and 17 walks. He ranks second on the team in strikeouts with 73 and holds a solid 3.56 ERA, allowing batters to hit just .280.
Here's a look at the rest of the awards in the OVC this week:
Player of the Week
Reed Harper, SS • Sr., 6-3, 200 • Clarksville, Tenn. • Austin Peay
Others Nominated: Jared Breen, Belmont; Nick Priessman, Eastern Illinois; Shaun Ball, Eastern Kentucky; Jason Blum, Southeast Missouri; Zach Stephens, Tennessee Tech.
co-Pitcher of the Week
Matt Borens, RHP • So., 6-7, 185 • Monee, Ill. • Eastern Illinois