(Posted April 9, 2007)

HUNTINGDON, Pa. - Juniata College junior baseball pitcher Paul Dunklebarger (State College/State College) has been selected as the Commonwealth Conference Pitcher of the Week after a strong performance on the mound for the Eagles last week. He becomes the second Juniata pitcher this season to earn the weekly conference honor. Dunklebarger turned in one of the best performances of his career as he helped Juniata to a win over conference foe Messiah in its only game last week. He tossed a complete-game, nine-inning victory over the Falcons as Juniata claimed a 9-1 win. He allowed one unearned run which came in the ninth inning, and he scattered four hits over the course of the game. Dunklebarger did not give up more than one hit in any innings on the day, and struck out six Messiah hitters. After getting some work as a starter during his sophomore year, Dunklebarger has been a consistent part of Juniata\'s pitching rotation through the team\'s first 22 games this season. He is tied for the team lead with three victories, and his ERA of 4.17 ranks third on the team. He\'s already fanned 32 hitters this season, just three shy of his total from all of his sophomore year, and his strikeout total leads the team. Dunklebarger has allowed opponents to hit just .248 against him and he\'s thrown complete-game in two of his six starts. He\'s been at his best in conference games as both his complete games have been in conference outings and his ERA drops to 1.71 in his three conference appearances. He has allowed just 15 hits and four earned runs in 21 innings against conference opponents and has recorded 21 strikeouts. With Dunklebarger playing a major role in the pitching rotation Juniata is 13-8-1 through its first 22 games and sits in second place in the Commonwealth Conference standings. After starting 0-2-1 in conference play the Eagles have reeled off six-straight conference wins. Juniata will test that streak on Tuesday when the team host Messiah for a conference doubleheader. ###

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Contact April Feagley at feaglea@juniata.edu or (814) 641-3131 for more information.