Ian Murphy has been named the Dutchmen Player of the Week for the period between July 1st and July 7th.

Murphy started one game this week against the Glens Falls Dragons and pitched five strong scoreless innings. He allowed one hit and two walks while striking out nine batters. Although Murphy did not receive a decision in the 1-0 win for the Dutchmen, his efforts still earned him PGCBL Pitcher of the Night honors.

“I was really able to get ahead of batters with my fastball and that allowed me to do much more with my breaking ball and changeup,” said Murphy. “I was able to keep hitters a little more of balance because they were already behind without seeing a secondary pitch.”

The right-hander rebounded from a shaky performance in his previous start against the Saugerties Stallions in a game that Murphy failed to get out of the second inning. He allowed seven runs on three hits and four walks in his only loss of the season.

“I had much better control of my slider this last start against Glens Falls,” said Murphy. “I felt more confident throwing it in every count”

Murphy has been a consistent force in the Dutchmen rotation. The St. John’s rising sophomore has started five games this season and has a 3.10 ERA in 20.1 innings pitched. His 33 strikeouts lead the Dutchmen. If you take away the start against Saugerties, Murphy would have a 0.56 ERA in 16 innings pitched.

“Coach Davey along with the rest of the coaching staff has put me in a really good position to develop as a pitcher and help the team win,” said Murphy. “I believe the pitching staff as a whole has had success this year because of the benefits we receive from a good coaching staff.”

Murphy and the Dutchmen return to the diamond on Tuesday, July 9th, as Albany hosts the Mohawk Valley DiamondDawgs at Connors Park at Siena College. First pitch is scheduled for 5:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit dutchmenbaseball.com