Pierce named C-USA Pitcher of the Week

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - On the strength of his second complete game in as many outings, Southern Miss senior right-handed pitcher Andrew Pierce (Stringer, Miss.) collected the Conference USA Pitcher of the Week award, Monday, in an announcement by the league office.

Pierce limited Memphis to just one run on five hits and two walks, while fanning seven in an 8-1 road victory last Saturday.

He gave up his only run in the first and did not allow a base runner to get past second base after that inning. After the Golden Eagles let back-to-back runners get on in the second via errors, Pierce then retired the next 12 batters he faced and enticed two double plays later in the contest.

Pierce improved to 8-1 on the season and has won four of his five C-USA starts (one no decision). He has lasted at least seven innings in all 10 starts this season and has three complete games to his credit. The Golden Eagles improved to 15-1 all-time in games where he has pitched and fanned at least five batters.

It was the first weekly honor for Pierce this season and the third of his career. Pierce's selection gives Southern Miss a C-USA Player of the Week honor for the fourth consecutive week (two hitters and two pitchers).

Rice senior outfielder Michael Ratterree won the C-USA Hitter of the Week honors.

The Golden Eagles (21-18) return to action, Wednesday, when they entertain Alabama in a 6 p.m., contest at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field.