PEMBROKE – A phenomenal month from the mound paid additional dividends for rookie right-hander Evan McLean on Friday afternoon when the weekend starter picked up Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Month accolades for his performance across March, the league office announced.
 
A native of Greenville, McLean registered a 3-1 record and a 2.60 earned run average across five starts last month, striking out 25 and walking just nine in 27-2/3 innings pitched. He surrendered just 21 hits across his five appearances, while limiting opponents to a paltry .214 batting average.
 
The performance included a perfect 3-0 mark and a 2.55 ERA in three starts against Conference Carolinas foes. McLean struck out six and allowed just three hits across six innings pitched in consecutive victories against King and Chowan, and also picked up a win in the series finale at Belmont Abbey as well.
 
McLean has posted a 4-1 record and a team-best 2.48 ERA in 32-2/3 innings of work this season, and has held opponents to a .205 batting average. He has one combined shutout (Chowan) to his credit, and has struck out 32 while walking just 12.
 
The 24^th-ranked Braves (24-10, 14-4 CC) will continue a nine-game home stand this weekend when they take on Conference Carolina rival Barton (19-16, 10-8) in a Saturday/Sunday series at Sammy Cox Field. The squads will open up the weekend with a 1 p.m. twinbill on Saturday in Pembroke.