Baseball student-athletes from Baylor, Kansas and Kansas State were honored in Week 1 of the 2021 season. Kansas’ Nolan Metcalf was tabbed Big 12 Baseball Player of the Week, while K-State’s Jordan Wicks earned Pitcher of the Week distinction. BU’s Jared McKenzie earned the Freshman of the Week nod. A five-person media panel selects the honorees.

Metcalf finished 6-for-11 (.545) from the plate with two home runs, six RBIs, one walk and three runs against South Dakota State. His four RBIs in the series finale was a career high. He tied for the Big 12 lead with four hits in a single game (Feb. 21), and tied for the Big 12 lead in total hits (6).

Wicks began the season with seven shutout innings against Oregon State at the Sanderson Ford College Classic. Wicks allowed just three hits over seven innings, while equaling a career-high10 strikeouts. The lefty retired 18 of the final 20 hitters he faced to give the Wildcats the opening day win.

McKenzie combined 6-for-11 with his first two career home runs, five RBI and four runs scored in two games against UTRGV. In the season-opening win, he tied his career best with four hits after finishing 4-for-6 with a career-high four RBIs, while hitting two home runs. The Round Rock native finished with another multi-hit game in the nightcap after going 2-for-5 with another run scored and RBI.

All of this week’s award winners are first-time selections.
 
2020 BIG 12 BASEBALL PLAYERS OF THE WEEK – WEEK 1 AWARDS

Player of the Week
Nolan Metcalf, 1B/C, Jr., Kansas

Pitcher of the Week
Jordan Wicks, LHP, So., K-State

Newcomer of the Week
Jared McKenzie, OF, Fr., Baylor