03 May 2023 Barker repeats as ASUN Pitcher of the Week

CONWAY — University of Central Arkansas’s Jesse Barker was named the ASUN Pitcher of the Week for the second time in three weeks on Monday.

Barker, a 6-foot-2, 200-pound junior right-hander from Benton, Ark., struck out 11 batters for the second straight week in UCA’s 10-2 road victory over the Bellarmine Knights on Friday in Louisville, Ky. Barker allowed nine hits and two runs and had no walks in his third complete game of the season. He has now pitched 9.0 innings for three straight outings.

Barker leads the ASUN in strikeouts with 84, earned-run average of 2.54 and is tied for most victories with six (6-2). His victory helped the Bears to their first road series sweep of the season, beating Bellarmine 9-3 and 8-5 to close out the weekend.

UCA returns home to host Austin Peay this weekend. Game times are noon Friday, 6 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. Sunday to accommodate graduation ceremonies. The Bears will host graduation ceremonies prior to Saturday’s game.