CHARLOTTE, N.C.- VMI senior second baseman A.J. Yoder (Belleville, Pa.) has been named the Choice Hotels Player of the Week for games played April 20-26, it was announced Monday by the League office. In an interesting twist, his brother, Ben Yoder, was similarly named Patriot League Player of the Week for his play at Bucknell.
A.J. Yoder batted .500 (9-18) in helping VMI to a 3-2 mark last week, including its first series win over Winthrop in Rock Hill. In the Keydets' 10-inning loss at Old Dominion, Yoder hit a two-run homer to account for all of VMI's scoring against the Monarchs. He then went 2-3 with two RBI in VMI's 6-5 win over Norfolk State, which snapped the Keydets' eight-game losing streak. Yoder recorded an RBI in VMI's one-run loss to Winthrop in the series opener, then went 5-5 with two runs and a double in a 6-5 win in game two. He followed that with a pair of runs, including the game-winner, in Sunday's series clinching victory over the Eagles. Yoder struck out just once in 20 plate appearances and added two walks, two stolen bases, two sacrifice bunts and was hit by three pitches in recording a .609 on-base percentage in addition to a .722 slugging percentage.
With his third-inning single in Sunday's victory, Yoder also broke a tie for fifth on VMI's career hits chart. The second baseman already ranks in the top five in career triples and hit by pitch in school history, while placing in the top ten in runs, fielding assists, at bats and games played. Additionally, Yoder could crack the top ten in career doubles and total bases.
It marks the first time that Yoder has been so honored by the Big South in his career, as he joins Jordan Ballard as Player of the Week honorees this season.
Ben Yoder, meanwhile, a junior third baseman at Bucknell, helped the Bison to a share of the regular season title and the top seed in the upcoming Patriot League Tournament. He batted .588 (10-for-17) in Bucknell's six games last week, including a 9-for-15 clip against Lehigh, helping Bucknell take three of four games against their conference rivals. It also marked the first time in his career that he has earned Patriot League Player of the Week accolades.
The Keydets return to action on Tuesday evening, taking on William & Mary in Williamsburg at 7 p.m.
