ST. LOUIS – After turning in eight strong innings to help lift Missouri State to a series-opening victory over Southern Illinois, Bears junior hurler Dylan Coleman has been named MVC Pitcher of the Week, the league office announced on Monday. 

Coleman matched career highs for innings (8.0) and strikeouts in the Bears' 5-3 victory over the Salukis Friday evening, paving the way to MSU's 14th consecutive Valley series win or split. The Potosi, Mo., product allowed just two third-inning SIU runs on four hits to notch his eighth win of the season—and his 22nd victory overall as a Bear. 

In the process, he became just the second pitcher in program history to reach the 100-strikeout plateau in back-to-back seasons, joining three-time All-American Nick Petree on that distinguished list. 

The Valley honor is the second this season for Coleman, who picked up the same award on March 26. It also marks the seventh MVC Player or Pitcher of the Week honor for a Bear this spring. 

Winners of their last six games, the Bears (33-14, 16-2 MVC) will take a one-game lead in the MVC regular-season standings into the final series of the year against DBU, which will begin with a 6:30 p.m. contest Thursday (May 17) at Horner Ballpark.