LSWA names SLU’s Stuprich state college Pitcher of the Week

HAMMOND, La. – Southeastern Louisiana freshman Brennan Stuprich earned Louisiana Pitcher of the Week honors after shutting out New Orleans, 7-0, in the Southland Conference series finale at Maestri Field, the Louisiana Sports Writers Association announced Monday.

The right-hander from Kenner, Louisiana scattered four hits and one walk Sunday, striking out five batters. With the win, Southeastern (25-15, 18-10 SLC) averted a series sweep and moved into a first-place tie with the Privateers (23-17, 18-10 SLC) one day after relinquishing the top spot in the conference standings.

Stuprich (5-1) grew stronger as the game wore on, retiring 12 consecutive batters before surrendering a two-out single in the ninth inning. He retired the next batter, the Privateer cleanup hitter, on a shallow pop-up to center field to close out it. He needed exactly 100 pitches to finish the game.

A graduate of Brother Martin HS in New Orleans, Louisiana, Stuprich’s shutout is the first nine-inning complete game by a Lion pitcher since fellow Brother Martin alum Corey Gaconi shut out Sam Houston, May 10, 2019, in the series opener at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

The LSWA award is the second weekly honor picked up this season by Stuprich, having previously been named Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week (April 12) following his outing against Abilene Christian. He joins fellow Lion hurlers Will Kinzeler (March 9, March 29) and Will Warren (April 19) in having earned weekly honors in 2021.

UP NEXT
Southeastern, which has an open date on the schedule this upcoming weekend, is actively seeking an opponent. With up to three games available, the Lions are open to either a home or road series. Interested schools should contact assistant coach Gerry Sailsbury.

As of now, the Lions are scheduled to return to the diamond May 4 against Southern Miss in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

SOUTHLAND CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT
Limited ticket reservations are now available for the upcoming 2021 Southland Conference Baseball Tournament, presented by GeoSurfaces, to be hosted late next month at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field.

Current Southeastern Louisiana season ticket holders and player parents have until Monday, May 10, to reserve their seats at Pat Kenelly Diamond at Alumni Field for the entire tournament. After that date, all seats not reserved will be available to the general public.

Tickets can be reserved by contacting the Southeastern Athletics Ticket Office at (985) 549-5466. Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays.