March 20, 2006

BETHLEHEM, Pa. - Lehigh junior catcher Matt McBride was named the Patriot League player of the week, it was announced on Monday. McBride ripped 12 hits in six games last week, posting a .571 batting average. McBride is the first Lehigh player to be recognized by the league so far this season.

In six games played from March 13-19, McBride went 12-for-21 at the plate, with a pair of home runs and a pair of doubles. He scored eight runs and drove in six, posting a slugging percentage of .952 along the way. McBride also found success on the basepaths, stealing four bases successfully in five attempts.

As evidenced last week, McBride is off to another fantastic start in 2006. The local product leads the Patriot League in a number of offensive categories, including: batting average (.552), hits (37), home runs (five), total bases (59), on-base percentage (.573), and slugging percentage (.881). McBride's five home runs so far this season have matched his previous career total.

Last week, McBride was named to the watch list for the Johnny Bench Award, given annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher.

Lehigh (8-10) returns to action on Tuesday, when the Mountain Hawks host Delaware in the opening round of the 2006 Liberty Bell Classic. The game will be played at the baseball field on Goodman Campus, with first pitch scheduled for 3:00 pm.