Ball State University Athletics
Steinbach Named MAC West Pitcher Of The Week
February 24, 2015 | Softball
MUNCIE, Ind. - - For her effort in last weekend's South Alabama Invitational, Ball State junior pitcher Nicole Steinbach (Merrillville, Ind./Andrean) has been named the Mid-American Conference West Division Pitcher of the Week.
Steinbach, who earns the honor for the first time this season and the ninth time in her career, threw Ball State's first complete game shutout of the season in last Friday's win over Sam Houston State. In four appearances over the course of the three-day tournament, Steinbach saw 20.0 innings of work and posted a 2.10 earned-run average, while compiling 21 strikeouts.
“Nicole has been a warrior on the mound,” Ball State head coach Tyra Perry said. “She has been a steady player this season and will only continue to get better. Her leadership in the circle raises the team to a higher level.”
In Ball State's South Alabama Invitational opener versus Sam Houston State, Steinbach held the Bearkats to just two hits over 5.0 innings of work to pick up her 10th career complete game shutout victory and fourth win of the 2015 season. She also struck out six batters in the game.
Steinbach turned in another solid start later in the day versus Chattanooga, holding the Mocs to one run and five hits over the first six innings, before leaving the game in position to earn her second victory of the day. Unfortunately, a blown save opportunity by Ball State's bullpen forced Steinbach to earn no decision and also re-enter the game in relief.
Steinbach also started last Saturday's game versus Jacksonville, recording five strikeouts and limiting the Dolphins to just three earned runs in 6.2 innings of work. She entered Sunday's game versus Chattanooga in relief, and went on to strikeout four batters over 2.1 innings of work.
Steinbach is Ball State's second MAC West Division Pitcher of the Week selection this season, joining junior Sammi Cowger (Fenton, Mich./Fenton) who picked up the honor, to go along with College Sports Madness MAC Player of the Week accolades, after opening weekend.
Steinbach and the Ball State softball team return to action Friday (Feb. 27) at the Purple & Gold Challenge hosted by LSU in Baton Rouge, La., with games versus Northwestern State (3:30 p.m. ET / 2:30 p.m. CT) and the host Tigers (8:30 p.m. ET / 7:30 p.m. CT).
For the most up-to-date news on Ball State softball, follow the team on Twitter: @BallStateSB and @TyraPerry13 / Instagram: ballstatesb / Facebook: BallStateSoftball
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