Photo courtesy of SMSU Athletic Communications SMSU’s John Bezdicek delivers a pitch during their game against Briar Cliff (Iowa) Wednesday. SMSU fell in the opener 3-2 before taking game two 8-3.

BURNSVILLE – Southwest Minnesota State University fourth-year junior left-handed pitcher John Bezdicek was named the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference Pitcher of the Week on Monday following his season-opening start last Wednesday versus Briar Cliff University in Sioux City, Iowa.

Bezdicek, a native of Plymouth, was scheduled to pitch just three innings in the season opener and was dominate in his short appearance. He faced 10 batters and recorded eight strikeouts, while allowing one walk. He left the game with SMSU leading 2-0, before BCU rallied with a run in the fourth and two in the seventh to win 3-2. SMSU won game two by a score of 8-3.

It’s the third time Bezdicek has earned NSIC Pitcher of the Week accolades in his career. He has appeared in 24 career games with 22 starts and has a 3.82 ERA in 122 2/3 innings. Bezdicek ranks first in team history in strikeouts per nine innings (11.3) and is seventh in strikeouts (155).

Bezdicek is 2017 graduate of Osseo High School.

Southwest Minnesota State opens NSIC play this Saturday and Sunday with a three-game series at Upper Iowa University. The two teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday and a single nine-inning game on Sunday.

— Content courtesy

of SMSU Athletic

Communications