Southeast Missourian Player of the Week: Eric Hayes

The Notre Dame Bulldogs will play for the SEMO Conference baseball tournament title, and senior Eric Hayes played a vital role in his team reaching the championship game.

Hayes was the winning pitcher in the Bulldogs' 12-2 six-inning win over Dexter in the opener. He struck out four in a complete-game effort.

"He did a tremendous job," Notre Dame coach Jeff Graviett said after the Dexter win. "I didn't think he threw all that well, but if you take a look at the final line stats, he had a good game up and down really."

The Dexter victory pushed Notre Dame into the semifinals, where Hayes continued to produce for the Bulldogs against Jackson.

Hayes started at third base and provided the big hit, a three-run double to center field to give Notre Dame a 3-0 lead. He scored later in the inning to make it 4-0.

"We knew he didn't have a very good curveball, so we just tried to capitalize and hit fastballs," Hayes said about his approach at the plate on the double.

Notre Dame went on to defeat Jackson 9-3.

The Bulldogs had to replace every starter from last year's team that reached the Class 3 state quarterfinals. This year's team is off to an 11-2 start and will play for the SEMO Conference tournament title Saturday. They host Kennett with the first pitch scheduled for 2 p.m.