Saint John's senior catcher/pitcher Justin Thompson (Chanhassen, Minn./Chaska) had quite a week, in all facets of the game, as the Johnnies totaled a 5-1 record.
On the mound, Thompson posted a 1-0 record with three saves, a 1.50 ERA and a .190 opponent batting average in four appearances (12 innings). He made a spot start, the first of his career, in game two against Macalester April 22 and allowed his first two runs this season (earned or unearned) after the first four batters reached safely. Thompson went the distance, however, allowing four hits in the final eight innings (seven total) and struck out seven in the complete-game, nine-inning victory (5-2).
He allowed a total of one hit and struck out four in three separate innings in which he earned saves (one vs. Concordia April 21 and two vs. Hamline April 26) the rest of the week. The two saves against Hamline increased Thompson's season total to nine, one away from Joey Long's school record of 10 set in 2012. Thompson is also second in SJU history with 10 career saves, eight away from Long's record of 18.
Thompson leads the MIAC with a 0.86 ERA and has a .160 opponent batting average with nine saves and 24 strikeouts (to four walks) in 12 appearances (21 innings) this season.
In two starts behind the plate, Thompson threw out all three attempted base-stealers and batted .600 (3-for-5) with a double and a run scored last week. He is currently riding a six-game hit streak (.438, 7-for-16 over the stretch).
The Johnnies (19-6, 11-5 MIAC) are tentatively scheduled to host No. 12 St. Thomas for a 2:30 p.m. doubleheader on Wednesday, April 30, at Saint John's Field in Collegeville.
