Ben Norton, a starting pitcher on the preseason favorite Evansville baseball team, tossed six no-hit innings against Lipscomb in the season opener last Friday and earned the weekly honor of Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week.  He fanned eight batters and only walked one.

After allowing a leadoff walk to begin the game, Norton retired the next 17 men in order. He did not allow a ball to leave the infield until the fourth inning, and only two balls were hit in the outfield in six innings of work.

Joining Norton with weekly honors is Brian Matusz of San Diego and Josh Donaldson of Auburn.

Additionally, two Valley teams are ranked in the Top-30 of the weekly Collegiate Baseball poll.  Wichita State, who starts competition this weekend, is ranked No. 18 while the Aces are slotted at No. 26 nationally.

The 2007 MVC Baseball season got underway on Feb. 9, with Southern Illinois, Creighton and Evansville starting competition while the season resumes this weekend, Feb. 15.