Despite dropping two of three at Wichita State this past weekend, a couple of Illinois State players merited honorable mention in this week’s Missouri Valley Conference Player and Pitcher of the Week honors. Tyler McNeely (Normal U-High ’07) continues his very hot season at the plate with some impressive numbers against the Shockers. JD Learnard helped the ‘Birds salvage one game in the series with a solid mound performance on Sunday.
Tyler McNeely (ILS) – McNeely led Illinois State in the Redbirds’ 9-4 win against Wichita State Sunday afternoon in Wichita, Kan. McNeely went 3-for-5 with three RBI and three runs scored, including two solo home runs and one double. The Normal, Ill., native slugged a team-best .909, amassed ten total basses and did not commit an error in left field during Illinois State’s three-game series against Wichita State. McNeely now leads the Redbirds with a .371 batting average, a .664 slugging percentage and a .522 on-base percentage. He also ranks first on the team with eight home runs and 39 runs score, and second with 34 RBI and 10 doubles.
JD Learnard (ILS) – Learnard (4-2) earned the win in Illinois State’s 9-4 victory against Wichita State Sunday afternoon in Wichita, Kan. Learnard pitched six innings, allowing four runs (two earned) on six hits, while striking out four and walking three. Learnard ranks second on the team with a 4.15 ERA through nine starts. The Fairmount, Ill., native has struck out 28 batters this season through 52 innings pitched.
via MVC Baseball Weekly Notebook | MVC-Sports.com
