April 30, 2012

IRVING, Texas - Chase Joiner, who tossed a complete-game shutout at No. 7 UCF on Sunday, was named the Conference USA Pitcher of the Week as announced by the league office on Monday.

Behind Joiner's complete-game effort clinched the three-game series over No. 7 UCF, the highest-ranked opponent the Tigers have ever beaten in a three-game set. He struck out four, walked two batters and scattered five hits. After facing trouble over the first three innings, Joiner retired 13 of the next 14 batters before a double by Ronnie Richardson with one out in the eighth. He escaped the jam in the eighth with a runner stranded at second and a double in the ninth put the pressure on, but that base runner was stranded at third. Joiner stranded four runners in scoring position in the game and allowed one runner to reach third base.

The complete-game shutout was Joiner's second this season with his first coming against Siena. This is the second C-USA Pitcher of the Week honor for Joiner this season and he is fifth pitcher to earn the weekly accolade two times in one season. This accolade marks the fourth time that a Memphis pitching staff has picked up three or more weekly honors in one season.

The Tigers host UAB this weekend at FedExPark. The three-game series begins Friday at 6:30 p.m.