Southeast Missourian Athlete of the Week: Jackson's Tyler Slinkard

Jackson's Tyler Slinkard pitched a complete game and had six strikeouts in the Indians' 9-3 win over Dexter last week in an opening-round game of the SEMO Conference baseball tournament at Whitey Herzog Stadium.

The senior right-hander, who lost more than an inch of the middle finger on his throwing hand in an offseason accident, allowed only six hits in the Indians' victory.

"That was a bad incident, and for him to bounce back is incredible," said Jackson sophomore Jarrett Newell, who plays shortstop behind Slinkard. "It's big. It's very inspiring for us. It makes us play better, I feel."

The win advanced the third-seeded Indians to the tournament semifinals and improved their record to 16-7 on the year.