ROCHESTER, NY - Following an unbelievable Saturday showing, Pioneer pitcher Brady Leichtman (Bay Shore, NY/St. John the Baptist Diocesan) has achieved his first Empire 8 honor, being named Empire 8 Rookie of the Week, the conference announced on Monday, April 20th.

Leichtman was outstanding in his one and only appearance of the week, pitching 8.1 innings while allowing just two runs and striking out 11 batters against Houghton in a weekend conference matchup. The rookie hurler overcame a slow first inning to completely stunt the momentum of the visiting Highlanders, rebounding after allowing a run in the opening frame. Leichtman wouldn't allow a run for the next seven innings, sitting down Highlander batters left and right as he pitched his way to a massive win. The Bay Shore, New York native didn't allow a hit for five straight innings in the middle part of the matchup, and only gave up multiple hits in two of his innings. Leichtman gave up his other run right at the end of the matchup, but turned the ball over to Connor Ford (Swedesboro, NJ/Kingsway Regional), who immediately ended the affair. 

The rookie hurler currently leads the team in innings pitched (35), ERA (2.83) (qualified), and opposing batting average (.190) (qualified), while also ranking second for strikeouts with 39.

Leichtman will surely see some action this week when the Pioneers battle Keuka, Oswego, and Elmira. Tomorrow's matchup against Keuka takes place at 2:00 PM over at Finger Lakes Community College. Sunday's matchup with Elmira is slated to be the final home regular-season matchup of the campaign.