The Penn State Behrend Lions relief pitcher Ryan Smith (Franklin, PA/Franklin) has been named the Enterprise RENT-A-CAR athlete of the week for the week of March 23, 2009.  Smith's efforts also earned him the AMCC Pitcher of the Week.

Smith has been a pivotal part of the back end of the Behrend Lions pitching staff over his first three years at Behrend.  Smith continues to be a force on the mound for the Behrend Lions. In three appearances in Fort Pierce, FL Smith would tally two saves and a win. 

Smith would come up big in back to back appearances against conference foe Frostburg State to open AMCC play. Smith would close out game one after a stellar performance from starting pitcher Dave Koerbel (Pittsburgh, PA/Central Catholic).  Smith would come in with two outs in the bottom of the seventh with the tying run on second and the winning run at the plate.  Smith would get the batter to ground out to third to end the game and get the important first win in conference play.

Smith would be called on again in game two to shut the door on another Frostburg State comeback.  Andrew Chrobak (New Castle/Laurel) would pitch six strong innings of baseball before he gave way to Smith in the bottom of the seventh.  With the Behrend Lions up four-to-two Smith would take the mound with one out and runners on first and second.  Smith would strike out the next batter and get the final batter to ground out to shortstop.  The win would put the blue and white at 2-0 in conference play and 9-1 overall. 

On the year Smith is 1-0 with four saves.  Hitters are batting a measly .188 against the senior closer.  Smith has only given up two earned runs in eight innings of work while striking out five batters.  Smith holds a number of Behrend pitching records including career ERA (2.37) and career Saves (17).  Smith is also number two on the career appearance list with 51 only eight behind the leader.   

The blue and white will travel to Fredonia State to take on the Blue Devils on Tuesday, March 24 at 2:00 pm.  They will then have their home opener on Wednesday, March 25 against conference rival Medaille.