Braves Stay Above .500
Bradley won twice in three tries last week to run their season record to 11-10, getting a 5-4 non-conference victory at Loyola Wednesday night, followed by a split with Indiana State on Saturday before Sunday's single contest was washed out.
BU hit .268 as a team in the three games, outscoring opponents 12-11 and slugging three home runs.
Boeger Still Leads the Way
After getting off to a very fast start, freshman outfielder Jess Boeger continues to lead the Braves in hitting. Boeger's season average rests at .364, aided by a .625 clip over three games last week.
Boeger leads BU in hits (20), runs scored (14), on base percentage (.455), slugging percentage (.636), and is tied for the team lead in extra base hits (9).
Protecting the Lead
The Braves have played very well this season when having a lead late in the game. When leading after four innings, the Braves have a 6-1 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark when leading after six innings.
On the flip side, the Braves have come from behind to win three times when trailing after four innings.
BU Milestone Update
With Wednesday's victory at Loyola, junior pitcher Ashley Birdsong recorded her 44th career victory. She needs seven more victories to tie Amy Elza for second place all-time at BU.
Birdsong, who led the league with 275 strikeouts last season, became the second pitcher in Bradley history to strike out 500 batters and has now run her career total to 561. Beth Hawkins owns the all-time Bradley strikeout record with 702.
Senior first baseman Jessie Musgrove hit her 14th career home run earlier this season at Missouri, moving her into second place all-time on the Bradley career list. Brittany Mynesberge, who played for the Braves from 2002-2005, owns the all-time BU home run record with 16. Musgrove's home run at Missouri was her first of the season.
MVC Player of the Week Nominee
Freshman Jess Boeger started all three games for the Braves last week, helping BU to a 2-1 mark. The freshman hit .625 (5-for-8) with a double, home run, two RBI, and five runs scored. She also drew four walks to turn in an on base percentage of .769 and was successful in her only stolen base attempt of the week.
MVC Pitcher of the Week Nominee
Sophomore Amanda Clack recorded the victory in her only appearance of the week, a complete game effort against Indiana State. The Braves topped the Sycamores, 7-2, as Clack allowed only one earned run in the seven innings. She allowed only four hits as opposing batters hit just .154 against her. She struck out three and walked none.
