Saunders named Iowa Conference baseball position player of the week

Central Dutch Athletics

PELLA — Shortstop Garrett Saunders (junior, Bonaparte, Van Buren HS) has gotten off to a torrid start at the plate this season and was rewarded with the Iowa Conference baseball position player of the week recognition on Monday.

He was also named the Iowa Conference male athlete of the week for his efforts.

During a seven-game stretch in Florida last week, in which the Dutch went 5-2, Saunders led the team with 18 hits, 11 runs and seven stolen bases. His .545 batting average included five doubles and one triple. He also had 8 RBIs.

The leadoff hitter had eight putouts and six assists in the field, including being a part of a pair of double plays.

It’s the second time Saunders has earned both the position player of the week and male athlete of the recognition, previously being cited on March 19, 2017.

The baseball team’s 14-game swing in Florida concludes with a doubleheader against Mount St. Joseph University (Ohio) on Friday starting at 9:30 a.m.