ST. LOUIS – For the second-straight week, an Illinois State Redbird has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week, as junior Mack Leonard has earned the distinction, the league office announced on Monday.
Leonard was lights out in the circle against the Sycamores this weekend, going 2-0 with a save, while posting a 0.00 ERA in a team-high 10.2 innings. The right-hander gave up just three hits – all singles – and delivered eight strikeouts in a trio of outings, while holding the batters she faced to a .088 batting average.
Entering the series opener in relief, Leonard kept the Sycamores silent, holding the home team without a hit, while striking out two in 2.2 innings of work. Leonard returned to the circle 30 minutes later and turned in the complete-game five-inning shutout of Indiana State, giving up just two hits and a walk, while fanning four in the 10-0 victory by the Redbirds. In Sunday's contest, Leonard checked into the circle for the final three innings and allowed just a single hit, before securing her seventh win of the season.
ON DECK
Leonard and the Redbirds will close nonconference competition at home against Northern Illinois on Wednesday. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. at Marian Kneer Stadium and the game will air on The Valley on ESPN. At this time, attendance is limited to player pass list only and not open to the general public.
For updates on Illinois State Softball, follow the Redbirds on Twitter (@RedbirdsSB) and Instagram (@redbirdsoftball).
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Scholarship Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
