Lindenwood’s Evan Vinyard was named the HAAC Pitcher of the Year this week and 10 Lions earned all-conference honors.
Vinyard and Shelby Anderson were named to the first team while Casey Colbert, Cody Anderson, Zach Malawey and Joey Vega earned second team honors. Honorable Mention honors went to Justin Lamar, Carlos Pianetta, Andy Tretter and Randy Serrato. Pianetta also earned the conference gold glove award for third baseman.
Vinyard is currently 9-3 with an ERA of 2.85 and has struck out 103 hitters in 75 2/3 innings. The junior from Fenton, Mo. leads the HAAC in ERA, opponent’s batting average, innings pitched, strikeouts and is tied for the most wins. Not only does Vinyard lead the HAAC in strikeouts he is number one in the entire country. He is also in the Top 25 in the country in wins. Vinyard was one of only two players that received every vote.
Shelby Anderson, a first baseman, is one the best bats in the Lions’ lineup. He is currently second on the team in hitting with a .361 average. The junior leads the squad with 11 home runs, 45 RBIs, games played with 52, 60 hits and 45 runs scored. Not only has he been stellar at the plate, Anderson has only committed four errors in over 374 chances and has compiled a fielding percentage of .989.
Colbert, a catcher, has a batting average of .397 and has driven in five runs. He has also thrown out 60% of base runners trying to steal.
Cody Anderson is currently hitting .350 and is leading the team with an on-base percentage of .535. He has also connected on four home runs, driven in 24 RBIs, hit five doubles and has swiped four bases.
Malawey has started both on the hill and at the plate. The junior from Florissant, Mo. is tied for the team lead in wins with nine and has five complete games. He has struck out 79 hitters in 69 2/3 innings. Even though he was awarded for his season on the hill, Malawey has become a key offensive threat. While playing mostly right field when he is not on the mound, Malawey is hitting .333 with six home runs and 18 RBIs.
Vega earned second team relief pitcher and is a lock down closer when he has had the opportunity. The right handed reliever is second in the conference with six saves. He has compiled a record of 2-1 with an ERA of 3.30.
This is the second consecutive year that Lamar has been named to the honorable mention squad. He is hitting .326 with 25 RBIs.
Piannetta won the gold glove for third baseman with a fielding percentage of .934. He is also currently leading the team with a .364 batting average to go along with 31 RBIs.
Tretter, a freshman starting pitcher, has won six games and has only lost one. He has an ERA of 4.62 and has struck out 31 hitters in 39 innings. Serrato has also won six games and has an ERA of 4.70, The senior has struck out 45 hitters and is second on the team with two complete games.
The Lions are currently playing in the HAAC postseason tournament in St. Joseph, Mo.