Sophomore right-handed pitcher Michael Baird was named the Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Week for his efforts in Sunday’s 1-0 shutout of Illinois.

Baird took a no-hitter into the ninth inning against the Illini in the Salukis’ second game of the day. 

“I didn’t really notice until my sixth inning that I had a shot at [a no-hitter],” Baird said after the game. “I was just thinking, ‘If it’s God’s will for me to throw a no-hitter, then let it be.'”

Baird allowed a lead-off single to freshman pinch hitter Jack Yalowitz, but shut down Illinois to earn his third win of the season.

He is 3-1 on the season and third in the MVC with a 1.30 ERA. His opponents’ batting average of .161 is second in the Valley.

Thomas Donley can be reached at [email protected] or at 618-536-3307