By Mike Anderson, NKU Sports Information

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS, Ky. – Northern Kentucky University’s Ryan Schmidt was named the Great Lakes Valley Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.

Schmidt, a sophomore transfer from Ball State, picked up his first win of the season on Sunday, 1-0, by throwing a two-hit shutout against defending GLVC champion Drury. The Decatur, Ind. native fanned six Panther batters while walking just two.

The win capped a 2-1 weekend for the Norse to open GLVC play. The Norse were picked to win the GLVC’s East division by the conference coaches.

Since a disappointing 1-8 start, the Norse have won four of their last five games, including doubleheader sweeps against Drury and Truman State, with the pitching staff maintaining a 3.00 earned run average over the span. Schmidt boasts a 1-0 record and leads all Norse starters with a 1.12 ERA on the year. He has struck out 10 batters in a team-best 24 innings.

It is the first Pitcher of the Week honor for the team this season. NKU claimed two Pitchers of the Week in 2007, with Brian Beltz and Matt Marksbury each honored for their spectacular performances.

Northern Kentucky (5-9, 2-1 GLVC) will play its home opener on Wednesday when the Norse host UC Clermont. The Norse then take to the road to face Missouri S&T in GLVC action this weekend.