DALLAS, Texas — After one of the most prolific offensive performances by a WKU Baseball player in recent memory, junior right fielder Jake Sanford was named Conference USA Hitter of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
In Sunday's 15-1, run-rule, series-clinching victory over FIU, the Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, native produced a career performance 3-for-5 with two three-run homeruns, one double, five runs scored and seven batted in.
It was the first run-rule victory for WKU since a 17-2 win — also at FIU — on April 19, 2015.
Sanford's five runs scored were the most since Jared Andreoli also had five at Vanderbilt on March 16, 2010, as he became the 20th player in Division I to score five runs in a game this season. His seven runs batted in were the most since Matt Hightower also had seven vs. Albany on March 1, 2009. Meanwhile, his multi-dinger day was the first for the Hilltoppers since Rhinesmith had two on March 10, 2018, vs. Bowling Green.
For the week, Sanford went 5-for-15 in three games at FIU and a midweek vs. Austin Peay with three homeruns, eight runs scored and eight runs batted in. He also added three outfield assists and nine put-outs from his right field position. A .333/.444/1.000 slash line for the week and his enormous day at the plate on Sunday led the Hilltoppers to a 2-to-1 series win over the Panthers to improve to 5-1 in C-USA play.
It is WKU's best start in league action since joining the conference prior to the 2015 season.
Sanford now has nine homeruns and 65 total bases on the season, as well as a .765 slugging percentage to lead all C-USA hitters, while his 18 extra-base hits (eight doubles and one triple) are tied for first and 27 runs batted in rank third. His four homeruns and 12 runs batted in across six league games both top the charts as well, while his .880 slugging percentage ranks second.
On a national scope, he ranks tied for ninth in homeruns, 14th in slugging percentage, 15th in total bases, 38th in runs batted in and 69th in runs scored across Division I.
The weekly award is presented by Top of the World. It is the seventh C-USA Hitter of the Week honor by a Hilltopper over the past five seasons, and the first since Rhinesmith on March 12, 2018. Current WKU designated hitter Dillon Nelson was also honored last year on Feb. 26.
Topper Quotes
- "The team has shown tremendous resilience throughout this season and we have been competing at a high level as a unit. We are looking to have the same fighter mindset every time we step on the field. I believe that my success comes from countless hours of off and on the field work, while also having my teammates to push me to greater heights." — Junior Jake Sanford.
- "Congrats to Jake on being named Conference USA Hitter of the Week. He has been very consistent in his approach and work ethic since the day he arrived on The Hill back in the fall. It's great to see him being recognized for a tremendous week while helping the Hilltoppers continue our quest in 2019." — Head coach John Pawlowski.
