April 26, 2004

Stacen Gant was rewarded for his two-hit shutout over Virginia Commonwealth with more than just a win. On Monday, he was named the Colonial Athletic Association's Co-Pitcher of the Week.

Gant had an outrageously dominant performance on Saturday against VCU in a pressure situation. With first-place on the line, Gant went the distance, throwing a two-hit shutout and walking just one batter. Just 29 batters came up against Gant and only four reached base, as one man reached via an error. Gant was working in a tied game over the first three innings and a one run game in the fourth and the fifth. In the sixth, he had just a two-run lead.

Gant struck out five in the game and improved to 8-0 on the season with a 1.87 ERA. Batters are hitting .203 against him this year in 82 innings of work. Gant has allowed 59 hits and 20 walks for a WHIP (walks plus hits divided by innings pitched) of 0.96. Gant leads the conference in ERA, wins and innings pitched, is the only undefeated pitcher in the conference (more than three decisions) and he is fourth in the league in strikeouts.

Gant was also named Co-Pitcher of the Week on March 22 after throwing a six-hitter against William & Mary which he won, 4-1 behind a career-high 13 strikeouts. That time he shared the honor with Jarame Beaupre, who threw a no-hitter against Hartford. This time, Gant shared the award with Donnie Smith who threw a one-hitter against William & Mary.

Gant will be in action again on Saturday when he faces Towson on the road at 1 p.m.