Lemasters shines in 10 strikeout performance

(Rochester Minn.) – We are about nine weeks away from the Northwoods League season opener and future Honkers are in full stride in their college seasons. Here are some highlights from the past week.

Benjamin Sems (INF) – Kansas (15-9)
Benjamin Sems started all five games at shortstop for the Jayhawks. The sophomore hit .263 while blasting a solo shot for his first home run of the season. He drove in five runs and hit his third double of the season. Kansas split with Grand Canyon and took two out of three from Baylor. This season, Sems is hitting .259 and has driven in 14 runs. Kansas is back in action today hosting Missouri State.

Eddie Mathis (LHP) – Bellarmine (15-7)
 Eddie Mathis started the first game of the weekend for Bellarmine. He did not get a decision but he struck out nine over 5 2/3 innings of work. He gave up two runs as Bellarmine was able to get a 5-4 victory. Mathis now has a 2.62 ERA while leading the Knights with 41 strikeouts. Bellarmine is off to Greenville, Tenn. to play Tusculum College today.

Andy Armstrong (INF) – Oregon State (20-2)
Andy Armstrong was a big run producer for the No. 1 ranked team in the country. He had two doubles and drove in four runs for the Beavers as they took two out of three from Washington. He hit .363 and came around to score three times. The sophomore is now hitting .291, has driven in 13 and has scored six runs. Oregon State plays Thursday at Stanford.

Rigo Fernandez (LHP) – Cal State Dominguez Hills (8-18)
 Rigo Fernandez threw 6 2/3 shutout innings for Dominguez Hills. Despite giving up just three hits and striking out six, Fernandez was tagged with a no decision and Dominguez Hills lost 3-2. The junior has thrown 32 2/3 innings this year, has struck out 44 and owns a 3.03 ERA. The Toros host San Francisco State Thursday for a weekend series.

Pete’s Pick of The Week

David Lemasters (RHP) – Lake Erie (9-9)
David Lemasters continued his hot streak striking out 10 batters over seven innings, leading Lake Erie to a 4-2 win. Lemasters gave up just two runs on five hits and walked two. He has boosted his season ERA to 3.03 over 29 2/3 innings. He has struck out 43 compared to just 12 walks, he has surrendered just 21 hits. Lake Erie host Ky. Wesleyan for a double header on Friday.