Harris wins NJCAA Pitcher of the Week

PERKINSTON — Antoine Harris' first collegiate start at Mississippi Gulf Coast could not have gone better, and it was great enough to win him NJCAA Pitcher of the Week honors.

"It's all been fantastic getting these three awards so far, the (MGCCC) Student-Athlete of the Week, the MACJC Pitcher of the Week and the NJCAA award," he said. "It means a lot coming back on my college debut on my home field and doing what I did."

Harris, a freshman right-hander from Chalmette, La., didn't allow a hit in five innings as the first of three Gulf Coast pitchers to combine for a no-hitter in a 5-0 win at Nunez. Nunez plays its games at Chalmette High School, which just so happens to be Harris' alma mater.

Playing on his former high school field, he struck out nine and walked just two.

"A lot of it is the hard work he's put in," Gulf Coast coach Wes Thigpen said. "He's really worked hard since he's been here going through some ups and downs. Getting his first opportunity to pitch in college on his home high school mound, I know it meant a lot to him. He's worked really hard to get where he's at today."

Gulf Coast is scheduled to play again Friday with a pair of games at Decatur in the Rush Invitational. Field conditions permitting, the Bulldogs will play East Mississippi at noon and Bossier Parish at 2:30 p.m.

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