Adam Lipke, general studies senior, was named Kentucky Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Week for the week of March 22 to March 28.
He gained the title after pitching a complete game shutout in a 6-0 win against Asbury College on March 27. Lipke struck out eight batters and surrendered only four hits during the game.
This is the first time he has earned the award this season.
Lipke, who is 6 feet 5 inches tall, said his height is to his advantage.
“It’s easier to get more velocity, and it’s more smooth and fluid,” Lipke said. “It’s also a closer stride to them.”
He said his favorite pitch is the split-finger fastball that has been clocked at 82 to 83 mph.
Lipke also earned the award a couple of times during his sophomore and junior year.
This is Lipke’s last season with the IUS baseball team. He will be graduating this year.
Lipke said his most memorable experience was making it to the regional tournament last season.
Lipke also played basketball, but said he preferred baseball.
“Baseball was a better fit,” Lipke said.
Lipke said he first became interested in baseball when he was four years old and joined a baseball league.
He played through elementary school and during high school at Floyd Central High School in Floyds Knobs. He graduated in 2005. He currently lives in Greenville, Ind.
Lipke came to IU Southeast in the fall of 2006 after attending Vincennes University in Vincennes, Ind. for one year.
Lipke said there is a big difference in the quality of hitters he faced in high school compared to the ones he faces in college.
“There were a lot more good hitters in the line-up,” Lipke said.
Lipke also said practices were more extensive with 6 a.m. practices and three- to four-hour-long practices.
“Baseball, school and sleep,” Lipke said.
Lipke is having a solid season. He currently has a 5-2 record with a 3.54 ERA and has struck out a team-high 41 batters. He also leads the Grenadiers in innings pitched with 48.1.
Although the baseball team does not train together during the summer, Lipke said some of the players join the Derby City Baseball League in Louisville to stay in shape.
The Grenadiers’ next game is on April 20 against Lindsey Wilson College and is part of a six-game road swing for IU Southeast to end the season.
By LEAH TATE
Staff Writer
lmtate@umail.iu.edu