After pitching his second complete game of the season and setting a new modern single-game school record for strikeouts, junior Skyler Genger (Kent, Wash.) has been named the Western Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Week, announced Monday by the conference office.
Last Friday against Northwestern, Genger helped Seattle U snap a four-game losing streak by pitching all seven innings that were scheduled. In the Redhawks’ 6-1 victory, he allowed just three hits, including a solo home run in the seventh inning, and one walk.
Genger retired the first nine batters he faced in order and allowed no more than one runner on base in any inning. He also struck out 11 batters in the game, the most strikeouts by a Redhawk pitcher in a single game since the program was reestablished in 2010.
“Skyler dominated the day. It is so much fun to watch pitchers when they have all three pitches working. He was in total control, and his 11 punchouts were truly impressive,” Seattle U head baseball coach Donny Harrel said.
In 33 innings of work so far this season, Genger has collected 39 strikeouts, most among pitchers in the WAC. He is currently 2-3 with a 2.73 earned run average, and opponents are batting just .222 against him, tied for fifth in the league.
Seattle University (7-13) opens conference play this weekend by hosting Utah Valley University in a three-game series starting Friday, March 20, at 5 p.m. at Bannerwood Park. The series continues Saturday, March 21, at 2 p.m., and concludes Sunday, March 22, at 12 noon.