BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - A perfect performance on the mound earned Lee starting pitcher Jumpei Akanuma the Gulf South Conference Pitcher of the Week honor the league office announced on Tuesday.
Akanuma, a native of Kyoto, Japan, threw his first American no-hitter and his teammates banged out 14 hits in a convincing 10-0, seven-inning run-rule victory over University of West Alabama on Saturday afternoon at Olympic Field.
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The win gave the Flames the edge in the Gulf South Conference series, 2-1 and sets up another strong test against visiting University of North Alabama next Saturday and Sunday.
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Akanuma, who is in his second season as a Lee hurler, came to the Flames as a transfer student from the College of the Desert (Calif.). "It's my first no-hitter since coming to America," said the Japanese right-handed hurler as he flashed a big smile during the interview. "I had my slider working and was able to put my fastball on the inside portion of the plate."
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Akanuma (2-1, 2.81) faced only two batters over the limit during his seven-inning performance. Only two UWA hitters reached due to errors by Lee infielders. He threw only 76 pitches and struck out 11, while issuing no free passes.
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"Wow!!! What an incredible performance by Jumpei," said Lee head coach Mark Brew. "He has thrown extremely well all year, but today he took it to another level. Jumpei has been a different pitcher this year and has worked very hard to become as consistent as he has been this year. Coach (Richie) Goodenow also deserves a lot of credit for continuing to push Jumpei to believe in his stuff."
Added Brew, "That's the first no hitter for our program in a while and certainly the first since we made the transition to NCAA Division II. To have it come as a series-clinching performance made it even more special."
The Flames and Akanuma will get back to work next Saturday as they welcome North Alabama to Olympic Field for GSC weekend series.
