Matthews, Turner Earn Player of the Week Honors
5/6/2019 4:13:00 PM | Baseball
KENT, Ohio –After the Kent State University baseball turned in a perfect 4-0 week, junior John Matthews and sophomore Michael Turner earned weekly honors. Matthews was named among six National Players of the Week by Collegiate Baseball while Turner picked up Mid-American Conference Player of the Week honors, as announced Monday, May 6.
Junior John Matthews dazzled in long relief against Toledo Saturday afternoon, tossing 6.0 innings and striking out 10 to earn the win. He shut down the Rockets, retiring the first 14 batters he faced in order as the Kent State offense recovered from a two-run deficit and took command of the lead. He allowed just three batters to reach base on two hits and a fielder's choice in the remainder of the game. His 10 strikeouts on the day are the most by a Kent State pitcher this season.Â
On the year, Matthews ranks third in the MAC in strikeouts (74) and fourth in batters struck out looking (23) while also ranking in the top-10 in two other pitching categories. In MAC games, he is tied for second in batters struck out looking (17) and tied for sixth in strikeouts (41) while also ranking seventh in opposing batting average (.213).
Sophomore Michael Turner earned his first career MAC Player of the Week honor following a monster week at the plate. The Warren, Ohio native consistently came through in clutch situations, accounting for nearly half of Kent State's total with nine RBIs and five runs scored. On the week, he posted a .500 average and .643 slugging percentage on the week, collecting seven hits with two doubles and three sacrifice flies.Â
Turner crossed home plate twice against Dayton and went on to tally all nine RBIs in the three-game series against Toledo. On Saturday, Turner went 4-for-5 at the plate with four RBIs and two runs scored.
He matched his offensive success behind the plate, starting all four games behind the dish and throwing out two runners.Â
The Flashes will continue MAC play on the road Friday through Sunday, May 10-12, traveling to Bowling Green for a three-game set.
