March 12, 2012
ST. LOUIS -
For the second time this season, Illinois State senior Jordan Birch was named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week, as announced by the league office Monday afternoon. Birch held No. 14/14 Michigan to just two hits and struck out seven in ISU's 5-1 win over the Wolverines in her only start of the week Sunday at the Red and Black Tournament in Louisville, Ky.
The Monroe, Wash., native tossed a gem for the Redbirds, leading them to their second win over a nationally-ranked opponent this season. Birch gave up the lone run of the ballgame on a solo home run in the second inning and then proceeded to retire the next 15 Michigan batters, before giving up only one other hit, which came in the seventh. The senior righty had won her last three starts and allowed just two runs in her last 21 innings, before suffering a loss at No. 16/17 Louisville in the first game of a doubleheader Monday afternoon.
Birch will look to lead Illinois State into conference play, as the Redbirds open their MVC slate Friday at Missouri State. The first pitch is scheduled for 5 p.m. from Killian Stadium in Springfield, Mo.
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