Perkins graduate Kyle Hallock was named the Mid-American Conference Pitcher of the Year.

Hallock wins MAC Pitcher of the Year honors for the first time on the wings of a solid senior campaign and the best of the southpaw’s four-year career wearing the blue and gold.

"It’s exciting," Hallock said. "I’m glad I was able to overcome some obstacles and get on a roll. This is for the team and the university. It’s nice to be acknowledged and to be a part of this program."

Hallock, a 2010 MLB Draft selection of the Philadelphia Phillies, posted a MAC-best nine wins, which ranks among the top 20 in the nation and ties him for fifth on the school’s single-season records list. His 1.63 earned run average is tops in the conference and currently ranks as the fifth-best in school history.

Hallock anchors a Kent State pitching staff that leads the conference and is among the country’s best with a 2.62 team ERA. Hallock has struck out 80 while allowing just 17 earned runs over 94.0 innings and 14 starts. He has won seven of his last eight starts, posting an 0.62 ERA with 53 strikeouts while allowing just four earned runs.

He ranks second in school history with 229 career strikeouts, third with 284.2 innings pitched, tied for seventh with 21 career victories and tied for seventh with 65 career appearances.

"Kyle is very deserving, and he’s had a great year," said Kent State coach Scott Stricklin, who was named the MAC’s Coach of the Year. "He’s been consistent the whole year, and I thought it was very fitting that, with him being a senior and a captain, he earned Pitcher of the Year."

swalker@MorningJournal.com