Oklahoma State University Athletics
Strong Named Big 12's Best
May 16, 2011 | Cowboy Baseball
May 16, 2011
IRVING, Texas – Oklahoma State's Mike Strong has been named the Big 12 Conference Pitcher of the Week for games played May 9-15, it was announced today by the league office.
Strong had a career night for the Cowboys in the series opener against Baylor. The senior southpaw racked up 14 strikeouts, setting a career high and tying for the most strikeouts by a Big 12 pitcher this season, and tossed eight scoreless innings. The 14 Ks was also the most by a Big 12 pitcher in conference play this season and was two shy of OSU's single-game record.
In eight innings of work, Strong allowed just two hits, both of them singles, and did not allow a runner past second base (only two reached second). He did not issue a walk and allowed just five base runners (two singles, error, fielder's choice and a wild pitch on a strikeout).
Strong recorded multiple strikeouts in five of his eight innings and retired the side in order four times. He also recorded five assists, and he faced just three batters over the minimum.
Despite not getting a decision, Strong helped the Cowboys pick up a 1-0 win in 10 innings.
The Big 12 honors a player, pitcher and newcomer of the week every Monday during the regular season. The awards are voted on by a panel of media who cover the conference. This marks the sixth conference weekly award for a Cowboy player this season as Gabe Weidenaar (March 7), Chris Marlowe (March 14) and Zach Johnson (April 18) earned Big 12 Newcomer of the Week honors, Brad Propst was the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week on March 28 and Davis Duren garnered Big 12 Player of the Week honors on April 4.
