East Michigan News

Eastern Michigan University's baseball player Tyler Kapa has been named the Mid-American Conference (MAC) Co-Pitcher of the Week, according to an announcement by the conference office on Monday, April 21. Kapa shares this accolade with Cooper Katskee from Miami University.

Kapa, a resident of Waterford, Michigan, achieved a career milestone during the Eagles' 9-7 win over the University at Albany Great Danes on April 19. He recorded 11 strikeouts without allowing a run for the first time in his NCAA Division I career, permitting just one hit and two walks over six innings. Kapa effectively handled situations with runners on, holding Albany hitless (0-for-8) and restraining them to a .143 batting average with two outs.

In the MAC rankings, Kapa is second in strikeouts, totaling 59, just behind teammate Drew Beckner who has 60. Kapa has allowed only four home runs and eight doubles this season, ranking among the top five in these categories in the conference. He also has three wins this season, placing him in a tie for fifth in the MAC by this measure.

Kapa's achievement marks the first time an EMU pitcher has struck out 11 batters without allowing a run since Justin Meis did so on May 1, 2021, in a victory over St. Bonaventure.

This recognition is the first for Kapa and represents the fourth player of the week award for the Eagles this season. Previous recipients include Logan Hugo on February 25 and Devan Zirwas on March 4, with Beckner earning the title of MAC Pitcher of the Week on April 14.

Following Beckner's and Kapa's selections, the Eagles have won consecutive MAC Pitcher of the Week honors for the first time since 2017.

The Eagles will face Youngstown State University in a non-conference game on Tuesday, April 22, at 3 p.m. Admission to the game at Oestrike Stadium is free, and it can be viewed live on ESPN+.

For more information on EMU Baseball, fans can follow the team on social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.