Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University third baseman Matt Schark has been recognized as the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Week, according to an announcement by the League office on Monday. This marks Schark's first weekly accolade from The Valley this season and represents the fifth such award for the Salukis.

Schark, a native of St. Charles, Missouri, delivered an impressive performance over the weekend against Evansville. He hit five home runs during the series, with one on Friday, three on Saturday, and another on Sunday, contributing significantly to Southern Illinois' series victory over the Aces.

On Sunday, Schark's home run propelled him to the top of Southern Illinois' single-season home run list with his 20th homer of the year. Later in the game, he tied the program's single-season RBI record by driving in his 70th run.

Throughout the week, Schark maintained a .500 batting average (8-16), achieved a slugging percentage of 1.500, and had an on-base percentage of .500. He accumulated 11 RBIs, scored seven runs, and drew one walk as Southern Illinois recorded a 3-1 record for the week.

The Salukis are set to play their final home game of the regular season against SIUE on Tuesday night at Itchy Jones Stadium. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m.

For updates and information about Saluki baseball, fans can follow them on X at @SIU_Baseball, Facebook at Facebook.com/SalukiBaseball, and Instagram at @SIU_Baseball. Additionally, supporters can download the "Salukis" Mobile App from both the App Store and Google Play Store.