Hageman named SBC Pitcher of the Week

WKU’s senior right handed pitcher Justin Hageman (31) pitches during the Topper’s 4-1 victory over Texas State Friday, March 21, 2014, at Nick Denes Field in Bowling Green, Ky. Hageman pitched all nine innings notching nine strike outs and allowing only four hits. (Mike Clark/HERALD)

Herald Sports Staff

WKU senior Justin Hageman has been named the Sun Belt Conference Pitcher of the Week, the league announced Monday afternoon.

The 6-foot-2-inch right-handed pitcher from Hopkinsville struck out seven batters in eight scoreless innings in WKU’s 8-0 win Friday night over Arkansas-Little Rock. It was the first time in his career that he held an opponent scoreless longer than seven innings.

It was the Toppers’ second shutout of the year and his performance lowered his ERA to 2.55, the lowest in the Sun Belt.

It is the second pitcher of the week award for Hageman, who earned the same honor after tossing nine strikeouts in nine complete innings against Texas State Mar. 21.

WKU travels to Austin Peay Tuesday in a rescheduled game at 6:00 p.m. before returning to Nick Denes Field Wednesday for a non-conference battle with Belmont at 6:00 p.m.