Devin Burkes Named Collegiate Baseball Co-National Player of the Week

Kentucky baseball catcher Devin Burkes has been named a Co-National Player of the Week by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper for his astounding performances for the Wildcats last week.

In UK's series win over Wright State, Burkes went nuclear, clattering eight extra-base hits in the form of seven doubles and a no-doubt home run. Including the Cats' midweek game against Evansville, the redshirt sophomore put up some impressive numbers in four outings:

.563 batting average
1.188 slugging percentage
.667 on-base percentage
1.855 OPS
11 RBIs
19 total bases

He also drew two walks and was hit by a pitch on three occasions. In UK's series-clinching 15-0 win over the Raiders on Sunday, Burkes clubbed his homer and added a pair of doubles for a grand total of seven RBIs, a new career-high.

"What a week, and it couldn't happen to a better dude. Super happy for him," Kentucky head coach Nick Mingione said of his catcher. "The guy's light switch is always on, just really happy for him."

Burkes has a streak of 20 consecutive games where he's reached base safely.

"See the ball, hit the ball. Keep it real simple," Burkes said.

Simplicity has Kentucky's catcher in a major groove, as he leads the country in doubles entering Feb. 27.

Burkes and the Bat Cats return to the diamond on Tuesday, Feb. 28, hosting the Morehead State Eagles for one game at Kentucky Proud Park. First pitch is set for 4 p.m. EST and will air on SEC Network+.

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