May 7, 2007

CLEVELAND - Junior outfielder Matt Stiffler has been named the Mid-American Conference East Division Player of the Week for his hand in Ohio's 4-1 record last week, the MAC office announced Monday.

Stiffler (Bellbrook, Ohio) had a huge week at the plate and in the field as he led the Bobcats to a 4-1 record last week, including a series victory at Akron, as Ohio played all five games on the road. Stiffler finished the week 14-for-24 (.583) with a home run, eight RBI and 10 runs scored in five games. He collected at least two hits in all five games and recorded four, three-hit games. He also scored multiple runs in four of the five games and tallied multiple RBI in three of the games. Stiffler recorded a .630 on-base percentage for the week, slugged .833 and was 1-for-1 in stolen base attempts. He was also perfect in the field with 19 putouts and recorded two outfield assists on the week.

Stiffler, who is moving up Ohio's single season walks list, drew three walks last week to bump his season total to 40. The number is good for a third-place tie on the single season walks list with Jeff Rook. Rook is also second on the list with 42 walks while Matt Engleka holds the record with 46.

The regular Bobcat rightfielder has been on a rampant pace at the plate for longer than just the last week. Over the past 12 games, Stiffler is 26-for-52 (.500) with two home runs, 12 RBI and 17 runs scored. He has also tallied four doubles and three triples to make nine of his hits count for extra bases. Stiffler has walked 10 times against just four strikeouts in the last 12 contests and has posted a .581 on-base percentage in that time. His average has risen from .306 to .364 since April 20.

Stiffler leads the Bobcats this season in walks (40), on-base percentage (.486), hits (64), runs (45), triples (5), and stolen bases (9) and is tied for the team-lead with 35 RBI. He is second on the roster in hitting (.364) and slugging (.506).

Stiffler is the third Bobcat to win MAC East Player of the Week honors this season, joining teammates Brandon Besl (Cincinnati, Ohio) and Marc Krauss (Deshler, Ohio). Kevin Mementowski (Parma, Ohio) and Zeke Isaacs (West Carrollton, Ohio) have each been named MAC East Pitcher of the Week once. The honor is the first of Stiffler's career.