PEORIA, Ill. -- Junior pitcher Joe Bircher (Omaha, Neb./Roncalli Catholic) has been named the Bradley Country Financial Scholar-Athlete of the Week announced Wednesday after tossing a complete game shutout Friday in the series opener against Southern Illinois.

Bircher, who improved to 6-4 with the win, highlighted a 9-0 victory against the Salukis at O'Brien field, with a two-hit complete game shutout.  He surrendered only two singles in the game, did not allow a Saluki to reach second base and faced just one hitter more than the minimum.  Bircher was named Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week after striking out seven and walking none in the win.  A psychology major, Bircher owns a 3.01 cumulative grade point average. 
 
Each week, a Bradley student-athlete is selected as the Country Financial Scholar-Athlete of the Week.  The individual chosen must be at least a sophomore in class standing and boast a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, while displaying a level of athletic excellence.

Bircher and the Braves will be back in action Friday when Bradley opens a three-game series at Missouri State Friday at 1 p.m. in Springfield, Mo.