April 3, 2007

PHILADELPHIA - In voting conducted by area coaches, La Salle's Kenny Elkind was named the Philadelphia Big 5 Baseball Pitcher of the Week after his performance versus Temple on Saturday.

Elkind threw a career-high tying seven innings while scattering three hits and striking out a career-high 10 Owls. Those numbers are also La Salle team highs this season. He also allowed two unearned runs in the game, despite retiring the last 17 batters he faced.

Despite the effort, he did not factor in the decision, as the Owls came back to win the game in the 10th inning, 4-2.

Elkind is only the second La Salle pitcher to be recognized by the Philadelphia Big 5 Baseball, as Dan Waters was named Pitcher of the Week once already this season, and three times in 2006.

Formed with the mission of increasing the exposure of college baseball in the area, Philadelphia Big 5 Baseball is comprised of the five Division I universities in Philadelphia that sponsor baseball. The organization, which was called the Philadelphia Diamond Five last season, is now under the umbrella of the Philadelphia Big Five office.

The Big 5 will announce a Player and Pitcher of the Week every Monday during the season. The second annual All-Big 5 baseball team will be announced at the conclusion of the season.

Penn's Jarron Smith was named the Player of the Week after batted .467 with seven RBI for the Quakers, while belting a three-run home run at Harvard to to give Penn the victory.