LEXINGTON, Va. - VMI baseball's J.J. Hollenbeck (Vienna, Va. / James Madison) was chosen as Big South Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday for his outstanding performance Saturday afternoon against Winthrop University at Patchin Field.

In his start against the Eagles, a squad that stands second in the conference in batting at .293, the sophomore allowed just one run, scattered seven hits and struck out eight while going the distance to earn the win in the Keydets' 5-1 victory.

VMI had dropped Friday's conference game to Winthrop, so Saturday's win was extremely important for the Keydets as they look to qualify for the Big South Tournament held May 26-29 in Rock Hill, S.C.

"J.J. stepped up to get us that win against Winthrop. It was a great outing," VMI head baseball coach Marlin Ikenberry said. "He's been consistent as a starter and out of the bullpen this year. He's done a great job."

VMI's next game is Wednesday when they travel to Blacksburg to face Virginia Tech. The Keydets then open a three-game Big South series against Charleston Southern this weekend at Patchin Field. Friday's game begins at 3:00 p.m.

-VMI-