PEMBROKE, N.C. – A day after being named the South Atlantic Conference pitcher of the week, senior starting pitcher Vince Apicella (Dillsburg, Pa.) was named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Southeast Region Pitcher of the Week Wednesday morning.
Apicella is the second Eagle to earn the honor over the past two seasons joining reliever Carson Bryant who took home the plaudit on April 7, 2015.
With a game-time temperature of 25 degrees, the left-hander worked eight innings in an extra-inning 1-0 win over the Cavaliers tossing his sixth career complete game. Apicella notched 10 strikeouts, his eighth game in double figures over the last two years, while yielding just three hits and three walks in the game. Only two runners advanced into scoring position in the game against the hurler.
"All week I prepared throwing short boxes just working on my command and control," Apicella said. "I was hitting my spots constantly and I think it really carried over into my start. My off-speed was working pretty well, curveball was keeping them off balance and fastball with it being cold was detrimental to them as well."
In 40 extra-inning games under Carson-Newman coach Tom Griffin since 2006, Apicella is the lone flamethrower to pitch a complete game in contests that extend beyond regulation.
It is the first time that the lefty was named a regional pitcher of the week despite winning conference player of the year honors on three occasions. Apicella has been named a preseason NCBWA second-team All-Southeast Region pick and a preseason All-American by Hero Sports prior to his senior campaign.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Howser Award Player of the Year, Regional Player of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors preseason All-America awards, publication and writing contests.
Apicella and the Eagles are back in action on Friday with a doubleheader against Northwood (Mich.) beginning at 1 p.m. from the Silver Diamond Baseball Complex. The Eagle Sports Network has broadcast coverage on cneagles.com/live with video and audio streams beginning at 12:50 p.m.
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