MGCCC’s Mills-Derouen wins national pitching award

PERKINSTON – Mississippi Gulf Coast's Dylan Mills-Derouen has been named NJCAA Division II Pitcher of the Week, honoring him for his no-hitter last week against East Central.

The Biloxi lefthander blanked the then-No. 8 Warriors 3-0 with eight strikeouts over seven innings.

"It's a great feeling to know that all my hard work I've put into it is paying off," he said. "It's a wonderful feeling, especially knowing that I'm helping this team accomplish goals and win games. We're trying to become the best we can be."

Mills-Derouen is returning after missing last season because of Tommy John surgery. After his win Wednesday night against Copiah-Lincoln, he has a 4-3 record with a 2.93 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 55.1 innings.

"The confidence is back and everything," he said.

Mills-Derouen is the second Bulldog to win a national award this season. Brian Lane was named Player of the Week in March.

Gulf Coast (23-17, 13-11 MACJC) is in sixth place in the conference with four games left. The Bulldogs play doubleheaders at East Mississippi on Saturday and at Northeast on Monday to close out the regular season.

The top eight teams qualify for the state playoffs, which begin May 6 with a best-of-three series.

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