McBride earns Player of the Week honors
Posted: April 17, 2006
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – Lehigh junior catcher Matt McBride (Bethlehem, Pa./Liberty) was named the Patriot League’s Player of the Week, the league announced Monday afternoon. McBride ripped ten hits in 20 at-bats last week, including three doubles, a home run and nine runs batted in, as the Mountain Hawks swept a four game series at Navy to take sole possession of first place in the league standings.
McBride hit safely in all five games played from April 11-16, and increased his productivity as the week went on. He was 9-for-17 with a home run and nine RBI against the Mids, and had three hits in both games two and four of the series. In the series finale Sunday afternoon, McBride was 3-for-5, including a sixth inning grand slam, his eighth round-tripper of the season, as Lehigh erased an early 4-1 deficit to win the game 13-4 and sweep the series. For the week, McBride scored seven runs and also drew three walks.
With last week’s success, McBride continues to embark on one of the finest offensive seasons in school history. He leads the Patriot League in all three triple crown categories (.449 batting average, eight home runs, 41 RBI). McBride is closing in on Lehigh’s single season and career hit records and is also within striking distance to establish new single season marks for runs scored and batted in.
In addition, McBride has established himself as a dangerous, disciplined hitter, who seldom strikes out. In 147 official at-bats, McBride has whiffed just four times, and he has yet to strike out in 12 Patriot League games. The local product has also showed prowess on the basepaths, stealing a team best 18 bases in 20 attempts this season.
The Mountain Hawks (18-21) return to the diamond Monday afternoon as they host Coppin State. First pitch is set for 3:30 pm from the baseball field on Lehigh’s Goodman Campus.