Jeff Tully
BURBANK -- Although some college baseball teams are in the midst of
NCAA Regional playoffs with an eye on the World Series, Tommy Perez and
Loyola Marymount University are sitting home.
Although Perez -- a former Burroughs High standout -- had a fine
junior season, the Lions struggled this season, failing to make it to
postseason play.
For the first time in three seasons, LMU didn't clinch the West Coast
Conference. Although the team began the year at 5-0, a 14-game losing
streak fioled any chances of the Lions (21-37, 8-22 in conference) making
it to the playoffs.
However, the team did end the season with a five-game winning streak.
During the last week Perez put up monster numbers and was named WCC
Player of the Week. He earned the honor by batting .684 (13 for 19) and
netting eight runs batted in, eight runs scored, three home runs, two
doubles and 24 total bases for a 1.263 slugging percentage.
It was Perez's second player-of-the-week honor this season, having won
the award on Feb. 20.
Perez showed his hitting prowess toward the end of the season, after
struggling at times early on. His fine hitting late allowed him to raise
his season batting average from .299 to a team-leading .341. He also led
LMU in home runs with 11 and RBI with 45.
With 30 career home runs, Perez is tied for fifth on the Lions'
all-time list with Jim McAnary. Chris Donnels is LMU's career homer
leader with 45.
