WICHITA, Kan. – Wichita State right-handed pitcher
Connor Holden was named to the American Athletic Conference Weekly Honor Roll, the conference announced Monday. It is the first honor of the season for the Shocker closer.
Holden locked down two saves over the weekend for Wichita State, helping the Shockers to a three-game sweep over Tulane. On Friday night, Holden entered in the ninth with the tying run at the plate and one out in a 2-0 game. He fanned Green Wave third baseman Trevor Minder for the second out, then retired Brennan Lambert on a bouncer back to the mound to record the save.
Sunday's performance was one of the best of Holden's collegiate career. After the Shockers struck for four early runs, WSU turned to the right-hander in the sixth inning clinging to a 4-2 advantage. He allowed a solo home run to Jackson Linn on his fifth pitch that cut the lead to 4-3, but then retired the final 11 hitters he faced with four strikeouts along the way. The four innings matched the longest relief appearance of the season for Holden, who improved his season strikeout-to-walk ratio to 36:1.
The native of Louisville, Kentucky leads the team with a 2.51 ERA and six saves, holding opponents to a paltry .195 batting average for the year. He has closed out all three of Wichita State's shutout victories this season.
Holden and the Shockers play their final home game of the season on Monday night, hosting Oklahoma at Eck Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 6:00 pm.
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