Shepard Named Valley's Newcomer of the Week

Troy Shepard deals a pitch in Southern Illinois' 6-2 win over Bradley Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Peoria, Ill.

Photo by: Jordan Kruse

04/20/2026 | 2:24:00 | Baseball

By: Jordan Kruse, SIUSalukis.com

CARBONDALE, Ill. - Southern Illinois' Troy Shepard was named the Missouri Valley Conference's Newcomer of the Week, the league announced Monday. He is the first Saluki to win the award this season.

Shepard delivered his best performance of the 2026 season in Saturday's 6-2 victory over Bradley. The Washington State transfer tallied a Division I career-high 12 strikeouts and carried a no-hitter into the ninth inning, officially ending with just one hit allowed through eight full innings pitched. The southpaw is tied for third in the Missouri Valley Conference with 56 strikeouts, second in opponent batting average (.198) and ranks fourth in strikeouts per nine (9.45) and WHIP (1.18).

UP NEXT
Southern Illinois travels to rival SEMO Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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