By BRYAN GRISHAM

CSCC Sports Information Director

For the second consecutive week a Cleveland State starting pitcher has been named as the Region VII TCCAA Pitcher of the Week. Ben Booker was named as the Pitcher of the Week (week of April 20-25) for his incredible performance in the season ending series against Chattanooga State and became the third Cougar this season to be named to a weekly award. Booker joins teammates, Travis Tingle who was the pitcher of the week one week earlier, and Cory Hilton who was named player of the week earlier in the season.

Booker tossed 8.1 shutout innings in the first game of a doubleheader against conference foe, Chattanooga State as the Cougars captured a 3-1 win in extra innings. The Cougar hurler scattered eight hits and fanned 10 Tigers along the way to get the win, running his season record to 6-2 and lowering his already impressive ERA to 3.12.

"This was one of Ben's best games all year," explained Cougar coach Mike Policastro. "His curve ball and his slider were working really well and he kept Chattanooga State off balance the whole game."

Booker has given up only 24 earned runs in 69 innings pitched (third best in the conference) this season, walked only 17 batters and struck out 76 which is second in the league behind teammate, Jay Bolen who leads the conference with 81 K's.

The right-hander from Knoxville, has been rock solid for Cougar coach Mike Policastro all season long as he has helped the Cougars to a 36-16 record, an 18-9 conference mark and a number two seed in the conference tournament.

"Ben has been really consistent all year long," continued Policastro. "He has pitched in tough luck several times just like Saturday when we didn't score many runs for him. He does a good job of staying focused and doing his job and fortunately we were finally able to score a couple of runs for him an get the win. He keeps us in the game and gives us a chance almost every time out."

Cleveland State Community College

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