Athlete Awards

Athletes of the Week

Akanuma

Jumpei Akanuma

  • Award
    Athletes of the Week
  • Week Of
    2/26/2018
  • Sport
    Baseball
  • Bio
    View Full Bio


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.
 
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.
 
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."
 
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.
 
"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.


Athlete Awards
Date Athlete Sport
3/11/2014 Ana Coscorrosa Softball
3/11/2014 Derrick Pitts Baseball
3/5/2014 Dominique Hannah Softball
3/4/2014 Courtney Shelton Women's Golf
3/4/2014 Jeremy Stawychny Baseball
2/26/2014 Emmanuel Kipchumba Men's Track and Field
2/26/2014 Cayce Bryan Women's Track and Field
2/19/2014 Nikolay Uherek Baseball
2/19/2014 Annabeth Pruett Softball
2/12/2014 Rachel Lockhart Women's Basketball
2/12/2014 Brice Sharp Men's Basketball
2/5/2014 Angie Hughes Softball
2/5/2014 Jeremy Stawychny Baseball
1/29/2014 Emmanuel Kipchumba Men's Track and Field
1/21/2014 Cory Billingsley Men's Basketball
1/21/2014 Hollie German Women's Basketball
1/14/2014 Jenna Adams Women's Basketball
1/14/2014 Jamal Worthington Men's Basketball
12/19/2013 Hollie German Women's Basketball
12/19/2013 Cory Billingsley Men's Basketball
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