Jenny Esparza Named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week

INDIANAPOLIS, IND. -- Freshman Jenny Esparza, who broke Butler’s single season record for victories with two wins last week, has been named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week for the period ending April 18.  It’s the third time this season that she’s been honored with the League’s weekly award.

Esparza was nearly untouchable in two outings against the Titans.  She struck out 17 of the 20 batters she faced in the two games, and allowed just one base runner.  The Butler right-hander didn’t allow a hit in six and third innings, and in fact, didn’t allow a ball out of the infield!

The first-year pitcher from Avon earned a pair of victories over Detroit, boosting her season record to 16-4.  Her second win over the Titans broke the previous Butler season mark of 15 victories, set by Sarah Unrue in 1998.

Esparza, who also was named Horizon League Pitcher of the Week on Feb. 22 and March 15, boasts a 0.95 earned run average in 25 outings this season.  She has a school-record 223 strikeouts in 125 innings of work.  She’s helped Butler to a school-record 34 wins against nine setbacks this season.