By Robert McKinney, Assistant Athletics Director, Communications

SALEM, Ore. -- Willamette University relief pitcher Brady Joyner (Jr., RHP, Las Vegas, NV/Shadow Ridge HS) has been named the Northwest Conference Baseball Pitcher Student-Athlete of the Week for his efforts in the Bearcats' three-game sweep at George Fox University this past weekend. The Bearcats defeated the Bruins 7-6 on Saturday, March 4, then added 4-3 and 9-4 wins on Sunday, March 5. Willamette improved to 9-3 overall and to 5-1 in the NWC.

Joyner picked up his fifth save of the season in the series opener and achieved his sixth save in the second game. He is the NCAA Division III national leader in saves this season. The two saves over the weekend increased his career total to 15, placing him second on Willamette's all-time list.

In Saturday's 7-6 victory, Joyner pitched the final 1 2/3 innings. He allowed no runs and one hit while recording one strikeout. In the 4-3 win on Sunday, he pitched the ninth inning and allowed no runs and no hits. He pitched 2 2/3 innings during the series with a 0.00 earned run average.

This season, Joyner has provided the Bearcats with a 1.93 ERA and 12 strikeouts in 9 1/3 innings pitched. He has allowed just two runs, five hits, and two walks. As a team, the Bearcats have struck out 90 batters in 105 innings on their way to a 4.97 team ERA.

Willamette is scheduled to host Pacific Lutheran University at John Lewis Field in Salem, Oregon, on Saturday, March 11 and Sunday, March 12. The Bearcats and the Lutes are slated to play a doubleheader on Saturday starting at 11 a.m. (PST). The teams will conclude the series on Sunday with a single game starting at 12 p.m. (PDT).