By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications, (503) 370-6110
SALEM, Ore. -- Connor Bailey (Jr., LF, San Diego, CA/Scripps Ranch HS) of Willamette University has been selected for the D3baseball.com Team of the Week for his efforts in games played on Monday, April 9, as well as Saturday, April 14 and Sunday, April 15. The Bearcats went 5-0 by defeating University of Puget Sound, 10-2 and 8-6, and then swept a three-game series against Lewis & Clark College, 16-0, 12-7 and 12-4.
During the five games, Bailey hit .571 (12 of 21) with five home runs, two doubles, four walks, 12 RBIs and 11 runs scored. He achieved a 1.381 slugging percentage and a .640 on-base percentage. He registered eight putouts for the Bearcats on defense.
"To be recognized at the national level is proof that Connor is one of the best players in the country," Willamette Head Coach Aaron Swick said.
All five of Bailey's home runs were earned against Lewis & Clark. He smacked two homers in the first game, one in the second game and two in the third game. During the week, he earned two or more hits in all five games, while recording two or more runs four times and driving in two or more runs three times. He was credited with at least one run and one RBI in every game.
Bailey leads NCAA Division III and the Northwest Conference this season with 13 home runs and 105 total bases (4 for a homer, 3 for a triple, etc.). He is tied for third on Willamette's single season home run list. His 19 career home runs rank seventh all-time at Willamette.
For the season, Bailey has started all 37 games and leads the Bearcats with a .367 batting average. He also ranks first on the team with 39 runs, 45 RBIs, a .755 slugging percentage, 24 runs and a .454 on-base percentage. In addition to his home run total, he has pounded out nine doubles and three triples.
Willamette is set to compete in the four-team 2018 NWC Baseball Tournament this weekend from Friday, April 20 through Sunday, April 22 in Tacoma, Washington. The Bearcats are 23-14 on the season, including 15-9 (3rd place) in the NWC. Willaemtte, seeded #3, will battle Linfield College, seeded #2, in the first round of the NWC Tournament on Friday at 3 p.m. (PST) at PLU Field on the Pacific Lutheran University campus. Pacific Lutheran, seeded #1, will take on George Fox University, seeded #4. in the other first round game on Friday at 12 p.m.