Merriman, Funderburk, Suddreth, Martinez Highlight All-ACCAC / Region I DII Teams
The Mesa Thunderbirds finished as the #1 seed in the ACCAC DII, thanks in part to the great efforts of Chase Merriman, Kody Funderburk, Jake Suddreth and Esteban Martinez.
For their efforts, all four players have earned spots on the ACCAC / Region I DII Teams.
With a 7-1 record this season, Chase Merriman headlines for Mesa as a starting pitcher, earning All-ACCAC / Region I-DII First Team. On the season, Merriman had a 2.79 ERA, allowing 59 hits, 15 walks in 71.0 innings pitched. In his 12 starts, he was able to pitch at least six plus innings while striking out 52 batters.
Helping secure a few wins for Merriman and the rest of the starting pitchers was Jake Suddreth. Suddreth also earned a spot on both the All-ACCAC / Region I-DII First Team. Suddreth appeared in 31 games this season, setting a Mesa team record in saves with 16, which also led the entire country, while also recording a 3-1 win-loss record. He recorded 55 strikeouts on the season, allowing 23 hits with a 1.38 ERA.
In the field and at the plate, it was Big Daddy Kody Funderburk who earned All-ACCAC / Region I-DII First Team. Funderburk on the season had a .410 batting average, which ranked him tied for first in the ACCAC. He collected 73 hits, fifth nationally, 52 RBI's, third in the ACCAC while sporting a .507 on-base percentage, second in the ACCAC. Funderburk hit two big grand slams this season, while hitting six home runs total.
Rounding out the field for Mesa is short-stop Esteban Martinez, who earned a spot on the All-Region I-DII Second Team. Martinez on the season had a .315 batting average, with six doubles, four triples and two home runs. He had 42 RBI's and a .422 on-base percentage.
To see the complete list of ACCAC / Region I Teams, click on the link below.