According to the latest statistics release by the NCAA, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville pitchers Bret Giaudrone and Dave Crouthers rank among the best in the nation.
         Giaudrone (Gillespie) is third in the nation in earned run average. In 71 innings pitched he has given up 13 earned runs for a 1.65 ERA. Giaudrone, who has set the SIUE record in appearances in a season, also has an SIUE record 13 saves. His 13 saves ties him for fifth in the nation. He was recently named the Great Lakes Valley Relief Pitcher of the Year.
         Dave Crouthers (Edwardsville) ranks 41st in the nation in ERA. In 98 innings pitched he has given up 30 earned runs for an ERA of 2.76. Crouthers, who has a record of 8-6 as a starting pitcher, was recently named GLVC Player of the Year.
         Both Crouthers and Giaudrone will try to improve their rankings this weekend at Indianapolis as they compete in the North Central Regional Tournament.
         -siue-