ST. LOUIS – For the third time this season, University of Evansville pitcher Tanner Graham (Rocheport, Mo./Hickman) has been named the Missouri Valley Conference Freshman of the Week, the league office announced on Tuesday.

Graham was dominant against Illinois State on Saturday, shutting out the Redbirds across a career-high seven innings of work. Graham punched out a career-best eight without allowing a walk or an extra-base hit to get the win and help the Aces clinch the series.

Graham has been one of the top arms in the Missouri Valley Conference this season, ranking fourth among qualified Valley pitchers with a 2.96 ERA. The right-hander has limited opponents to a .245 batting average and struck out 23 in 27.1 innings. Graham picked up three saves earlier this season before sliding into the weekend rotation at Cal Baptist two weeks ago.

Graham and Aces are back in action this evening for a midweek contest at home against the Indiana Hoosiers. First pitch from Charles H. Braun Stadium is set for 6 PM.