Shippensburg's Buckwalter Named PSAC West Pitcher of the Week

Apr. 24, 2007

SHIPPENSBURG, Pa. - After throwing his first career complete game shutout, Shippensburg University senior Ross Buckwalter (Ephrata/Ephrata) was named Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference Western Division Player of the Week for the first time in his four-year career.

Buckwalter becomes the fourth Red Raider to win a PSAC weekly honor in as many weeks, and his performance helped his team move into sole possession of first place in the division heading into the final weekend of the regular season.

On April 20, Buckwalter blanked Lock Haven and surrendered just three hits while walking none through seven innings, leading Shippensburg to a 2-0 PSAC West victory. Buckwalter also struck out five batters.

Buckwaltee's senior season is turning into a career year. He is currently 5-1 with three complete games in nine starts. His 62.2 innings pitched is a team-high and his ERA is a solid 3.30. He has also totaled 47 strikeouts while walking just eight.

The Red Raiders (22-15, 12-4 PSAC West), which has already clinched a PSAC Tournament bid, host West Chester in a North Atlantic Region contest on Wednesday at Fairchild Field. The game time has been moved back to its original time of 3 p.m., because the California (Pa.) versus West Chester game was cancelled.

On Friday, Shippensburg travels to Slippery Rock, which currently trails Shippensburg by one game in the PSAC West standings. On Saturday, Slippery Rock and Shippensburg will play a doubleheader that will likely decide the PSAC West title at Fairchild Field. Ship is looking for its first title since sharing it in 2005.

- Red Raider Baseball -