By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As if there were any doubt, Tennessee Tech senior hurler Chris Chism took home adidas® Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week honors Tuesday morning, riding the success of his dominant pitching performance at UT Martin Saturday evening to yet another weekly accolade.
Chism could do no wrong in his first start of the year for the Golden Eagle squad, leading Tech to a 2-0 victory over Ohio Valley Conference and in-state rival UT Martin behind a one-hit shutout that featured a career-high 17 strikeouts. After surrendering a base hit to the first Skyhawk he faced of the game, the right-hander rebounded to retire the next 23 batters he faced, including 13 via the K.
His 17 punch outs marked the most by a Golden Eagle hurler in nearly 30 years, falling just behind the program record of 19 tossed by TTU Sports Hall of Famer, Todd Kemp. The OVC-record holder for both single-season and career strikeouts, Kemp accomplished his single-game mark for Tech back in 1988 against Tennessee State.
Of his 17 K's on the night, Chism set down 10 swinging and the other seven looking.
A native of Tampa, Fla., Chism has almost seemingly saved his best stuff for the Skyhawks over his two-year career. Last season, the senior hurler also tossed a one-hit shutout, losing his no-hit bid in the seventh frame. He set down a then career-high 10 batters with zero walks.
In total, his career numbers against UT Martin include 27 K's, one free pass, and no runs over 18 innings pitched for two complete-game shutouts.
The senior also earned Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week honors from Collegiate Baseball newspaper, National Player of the Week honors from the NCAA, National Pitcher of the Week and OVC Pitcher of the Week honors from College Sports Madness, and National Top Performer for March 14th from d1baseball.com.
Photos by Jim Dillon and Alex Boggis
