Lehigh University Athletics
Jacquez honored as Lehigh preps for UMES
3/2/2010 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – After a strong opening weekend to his Lehigh career, freshman Alex Jacquez was named Patriot League Rookie of the Week on Tuesday. The young catcher started two games and helped lead the Mountain Hawks to a 5-4 win over UNC Wilmington in their season opener.
Jacquez knocked in two runs and collected two hits in Lehigh’s big season opening win over the Seahawks. His .375 batting average is currently fifth on the team and he has a perfect fielding percentage through four games.
“Alex had a terrific start to his college career,” head coach Sean Leary said. “He played outstanding on Friday both offensively and defensively. He had two clutch RBIs one of which was the safety squeeze and he played very poised. Defensively, he did a great job of working with our staff and was strong blocking and throwing during the games.”
The Lehigh baseball team will look pull back to .500 on Wednesday when it faces Maryland-Eastern Shore for a mid-week doubleheader beginning at noon in Princess Anne, Md. The Mountain Hawks kicked off the 2010 season strong with the win over UNC Wilmington, but fell short in their other three games to bring their record to 1-3.
The Brown and White has dominated the all-time series against Maryland-Eastern Shore winning 16 of 18 games. Last season Lehigh defeated the Hawks 8-7 and 6-3 in Maryland. The last time UMES defeated the Mountain Hawks was a 6-5 victory back in 2007.
The Hawks are off to a rough start this season as they have dropped their first six games. Donnie Haines leads the team with a .316 average and four runs batted in. John DesChamps (0-2) has logged 12 innings on the mound this season, which includes one complete game to lead the pitchers.
Senior Andrew Berger (0-0, 6.00) will look to pick up his first win of the season in game one Wednesday after a strong first outing against UNC Wilmington. Berger pitched six innings and scattered five hits in the no-decision. Taking the mound in game two will be Ken Longernecker (1-0, 0.00), who pitched three scoreless innings in relief of Berger to earn Lehigh’s only win.
“We’re anxious to build on last weekend,” Leary said. “The ability to keep playing outside this time of year and not taking any long breaks is important.”
Check back to Lehighsports.com for a full recap of both games Wednesday night.
