By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech hurler Reece McDuffie was recognized as the Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week for the first time in his career, as announced by the league Monday afternoon. He shared the honor with Lindenwood's Josh Newell.
McDuffie was a constant presence in the bullpen for the Golden Eagles over the week, making three appearances while helping Tech to a 4-1 record. The junior completed 6.1 innings out of the pen, allowing just three base runners while striking out four and picking up a pair of wins.
He covered 2.1 frames in Tech's first midweek contest with USC Upstate, scattering two hits while fanning one in the Golden Eagle triumph. McDuffie kept his team's hopes alive in a game two loss against UT Martin, tossing 2.1 more scoreless frames with one hit allowed and two punch-outs as the Golden Eagles tried to rally.
The Mount Airy, N.C. native tossed the final 1.2 innings in the purple and gold's comeback win on Sunday over the Skyhawks, picking up another win without allowing a baserunner. For the week, he allowed just three total baserunners while working a remarkable 0.48 WHIP.
The junior right-hander is the first Tech player to take home OVC Pitcher of the Week honors this season and the fourth Golden Eagle to earn OVC weekly recognition. Catcher Mack Whitcomb won the first honor of the year on Feb. 17, center fielder Nicho Jordan claimed the accolade on Mar. 24, and second baseman Eddie Garza picked up his nod on Apr. 14.
The Cookeville crew will embark on a four-game road swing next week, starting with a 6:00 p.m. CT rematch with in-state rival Lipscomb on Tuesday, Apr. 29. Tech will then visit Cape Girardeau, Mo., for a three-game set with OVC foe Southeast Missouri Friday through Sunday.
Photo by Jim Dillon
