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March 30, 2004 For Immediate Release Contact: Michael Montoro 601-266-5947 |
| Vandy 2B hits .737 for the week | |
| NCBWA NAMES JONES, GRASLEY
AND WEAVER PLAYERS OF THE WEEK |
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CHICAGO (NCBWA) – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) released its National Hitter and Pitcher of the Week awards for the period ending March 28. Vanderbilt’s sophomore second baseman Warner Jones has been named National Hitter of the Week, while Creighton senior RHP Steve Grasley and junior RHP Jered Weaver were named National Co-Pitchers of the Week. The NCBWA Board reviews candidates from each Division I Conference each week and names winners each Tuesday throughout the season. Jones owned a .737 batting average in four games, helping lead Vanderbilt to a 4-0 record for the week, including a 3-0 sweep over No. 24 Georgia. He went 14-19 at the plate with six doubles, one triple and one home run. He was also 1-1 in stolen bases. The Nashville, Tenn., native extended his consecutive game hitting streak to 30 games and set the school record in game one vs. Georgia (28). He is one hit shy of tying the SEC record in consecutive seasons (31 by Rex Buckner of Mississippi State – 1992-93). Down 5-3 to the Bulldogs in Game 3, Jones cleared the bases with a three-run double to center field giving VU its first lead of the game, 6-5. In the Georgia series, Jones went 10-14 for a .714 batting average with five doubles, one triple and seven RBI. Grasley, Creighton's closer turned ace starter, turned in an outstanding performance in the MVC opener against SMS. He pitched a 10-inning complete-game, three-hit shutout as the Bluejays defeated the defending regular season champions and 2003 College World Series participants in the Bears, 2-0 in 10 innings. The Shoreview, Minn., native, struck out a season-high 12, just two shy of his career high, and walked just two in throwing 121 pitches over the 10 innings. He had a no-hitter through five innings and also faced the minimum through five before allowing a leadoff single in the sixth. Only two runners advanced beyond first base, both coming with two outs and both were quickly stranded. Grasley set down the side in order in seven of the 10 innings, with a double play aiding him in the fifth after he walked the leadoff man. With the win, Grasley lowered his ERA to 2.44, a team best, and also won his fourth straight decision to improve to 5-2 He leads the team in wins, ERA, strikeouts (48), and innings pitched (48), while opposing hitters are batting just .223 off him. Weaver tied LBSU's single-game record for strikeouts, striking out 16 of a possible 18 outs. He struck out the first five before being broken up by one of two singles given up. The Simi Valley, Calif., native’s first 11 outs were by strikeouts, as well as 13 of first 14. A foul popup to first and a caught stealing was the only other damage for the All-American. He had 95 pitches of which 65 were strikes. He now has 21.0 consecutive scoreless innings and is 8-0 with a 0.64 ERA over 56.2 IP, striking out 89 and walking eight with opponents batting .118. • Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Howser Award Player of the Year, Regional Player of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors preseason All-American awards, publication and writing contests. 2004 NCBWA Division I Players of the Week: |
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