Chicago, Ill. – July 5, 2021 – The Midwest Collegiate League announced its weekly awards on Monday, crowning Southland’s Jake Paymaster (Triton CC / New Lenox, Ill.) the MCL Pitcher of the Week and Northwest Indiana’s Colin Bruce (Black Hawk CC / Naperville, Ill.) the MCL Player of the Week.
Paymaster became the first player in the league to garner a second MCL weekly award this season as he previously won MCL Pitcher of the Week on June 14. This honor came after his five strong innings against the Joliet Generals on Thursday, a relief outing that saw him yield one run (none earned) on two hits while striking out five and walking one.
Paymaster has struck out 23 in 25 innings this season and owns a 2.16 ERA to go along with a 2-0 record over five appearances.
Bruce carried the bulk of the load in a 7-5 win over the Chicago American Giants on Thursday, driving in five of the seven Oilmen runs. He slugged a pair of home runs to help the Oilmen keep their winning streak intact. That streak has now reached eight games, tying a franchise record. Bruce became just the seventh player in franchise history to hit two round-trippers in a single game.
For the season, Bruce owns a .170 average but is among the league leaders in walks and HBP, holding a .458 on-base percentage.
2021 MCL Player of the Week Award Winners
June 7 – Tyler Schultz, Crestwood
June 14 – Tre’ Hondras, CAG
June 21 – Zamaurion Hatcher, NWI
June 28 – Christian Seegers, Joliet
July 5 – Colin Bruce, NWI
2021 MCL Pitcher of the Week Award Winners
June 7 – Benny Guevara, Crestwood
June 14 – Jake Paymaster, Southland
June 21 – Nick Vollmert, Joliet
June 28 – Jack Guzek, NWI
July 5 – Jake Paymaster, Southland