Garcia named RRAC Pitcher of the Week after strong showing

WACO – There's a reason UHV's Julian Garcia has been one of the best pitchers in the Red River Athletic Conference this season.

He proved it on Saturday by striking out a season-high nine batters and allowing just one run on five hits in eight innings of work to secure a 2-1 win and sweep of Jarvis Christian.

On Monday, the RRAC named Garcia its Pitcher of the Week for the week of April 8-14. It's the fourth time a UHV player has won weekly honors and third time the Jaguars have had a pitcher honored with Mason Longoria earning the honor twice. Last week, Hal Perez was honored as the RRAC Player of the Week.

"It was a big weekend for us getting the sweep and taking care of business," Garcia said. "Being recognized as the RRAC Pitcher of the Week is special, but we have much more in front of us as a team and are excited about our potential."

Garcia's gem on Saturday helped the Jaguars (30-11, 17-7), who are receiving votes in the NAIA Poll, secure their first 30-win season since 2011.

The Houston native improved to 8-2 on the mound with the win. His eight victories is tied for the conference lead and fifth-most nationally.

His 2.51 ERA is second-best in the conference and has helped UHV boast the fourth-best staff ERA (3.65) nationally.

It's the eighth time in 11 starts the 6-foot-4 right-hander has gone six innings or more.

"This is well-deserved for Julian," said head coach Jonathan Stavinoha. "He's been working hard to put forth his best effort each and every week. His longevity and ability to get better as the game went on helped up get a sweep and stay in a great position in conference play. Hats off to him."

The Jaguars sit in second place in the conference and hold a two-game advantage over third-place Texas A&M-Texarkana heading into the final two series of the season. UHV travels to Louisiana Christian for a three-game series Friday and Saturday.