West Virginia’s JJ Wetherholt and Blaine Traxel, along with Texas’ Lucas Gordon, have been recognized with Big 12 baseball weekly awards for their outstanding performances in games ending May 1. Wetherholt, named Player of the Week, contributed significantly to the Mountaineers’ undefeated week, while Traxel earned both Co-Pitcher of the Week and Newcomer of the Week honors. Gordon, also named Co-Pitcher of the Week, showcased his skills on the mound for Texas.
Wetherholt’s Remarkable Return to Form
After a hiatus from the starting lineup since April 14, West Virginia’s JJ Wetherholt made an impressive comeback. The sophomore second baseman played a crucial role in his team’s four consecutive victories, maintaining their top spot in the Big 12 standings. Wetherholt’s standout performance included a .529 batting average, three home runs, and a triple, resulting in a remarkable 1.726 OPS. Notably, his hitting streak has extended to nine games, and his season batting average of .463 positions him as a top contender on the Big 12’s single-season list.
Gordon’s Dominant Outing on the Mound
Lucas Gordon, a junior left-handed pitcher for the Texas Longhorns, delivered a career-high performance. In the series-opening game against TCU, Gordon threw eight innings, allowing only six hits, four runs, and one walk while striking out five batters. He maintained control throughout the game, ensuring the Horned Frogs never took the lead. With a 2.16 earned run average, Gordon is the current leader in the Big 12 conference. This notable recognition marks his first Big 12 weekly award selection, further solidifying his impact on the team’s success.
Traxel’s Pitching Excellence Continues
Blaine Traxel, a graduate student representing West Virginia, showcased his pitching prowess in his first shutout of the season. Facing Baylor, Traxel held the opposition to just six hits, striking out six batters without issuing a single walk in a commanding 10-0 win. His remarkable performance marked his fifth complete game of the season, the highest in the Big 12 conference since 2014. Leading the nation with 79.2 innings pitched, Traxel maintains a 3.05 earned run average and an impressive record of 6-3. This recognition as both Pitcher of the Week and Newcomer of the Week is a testament to his skills and impact on the Mountaineers’ success.
The Big 12 Baseball Weekly Awards acknowledge outstanding performances by players in the conference. These recognitions serve as a testament to the talent, dedication, and impact of athletes like Wetherholt, Traxel, and Gordon. As the season progresses, their contributions will continue to shape the landscape of college baseball within the Big 12 conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is JJ Wetherholt?
JJ Wetherholt is a baseball player from West Virginia. He is a sophomore second baseman who plays for the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Big 12 conference. He has received multiple Big 12 Baseball Player of the Week awards. -
Tell me more about Blaine Traxel.
Blaine Traxel is a baseball player from West Virginia. He is a graduate student who plays as a pitcher for the West Virginia Mountaineers in the Big 12 conference. Traxel has received multiple Big 12 Baseball Pitcher of the Week and Newcomer of the Week awards. -
Who is Lucas Gordon?
Lucas Gordon is a baseball player from Texas. He is a junior left-handed pitcher who plays for the Texas Longhorns in the Big 12 conference. Gordon received the Big 12 Baseball Pitcher of the Week award. -
What are the Big 12 Baseball Weekly Awards?
The Big 12 Baseball Weekly Awards are given out to outstanding players in the Big 12 conference. They include awards such as the Player of the Week, Pitcher of the Week, and Newcomer of the Week. These awards recognize exceptional performances by players in their respective categories.