stlcardinals.com
May 27, 2003

Morris Takes Weekly Honors

By Matthew Leach

ST. LOUIS -- There really isn't much more Matt Morris could have done. Two starts, two complete games, no runs allowed. That pretty much sums it up.

For his splendid week's work, the Cardinals ace was named the National League's Pepsi Player of the Week for the period of May 19-25. Morris beat out a slew of other candidates, including teammates Jim Edmonds and Albert Pujols.

Morris mowed down the Cubs at Busch Stadium on Monday, May 19, pitching a four-hitter with eight strikeouts and no walks. The hit total matched his career best in a complete game. Then he followed it up with a nine-hitter at Pittsburgh on Saturday, when he struck out three and walked two. He was the first Cardinal to throw consecutive shutouts since 1990, when Bob Tewksbury did so.

"We rank Matt in that upper echelon of not just good pitchers -- great pitchers," said manager Tony La Russa after Morris beat the Cubs. "He's got all the qualities. He rises to the occasion, he's getting deep into games. He's very special."

Morris' six wins on the year rank third in the NL, behind Kevin Millwood and teammate Woody Williams. His 2.26 ERA is third behind Williams and Kevin Brown, and he leads the circuit in innings pitched and complete games. He has allowed more than three runs once since Opening Day.

It is Morris' second time being honored as the player of the week. He received the award in August of 2001 as well.