Nick Lopez interacts with fans at Kentucky Proud Park before UK left for Omaha Wednesday. (Vicky Graff Photo)
Nick Lopez and Ryan Waldschdmit have been major reasons that Kentucky will be playing in the College World Series for the first time Saturday and Wednesday both received well-deserved All-America honors.
Lopez was named Second-Team All-America by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association on Wednesday while Waldschmidt was named Perfect Game Third-Team All-America.
Lopez has received a lot of notoriety for his mustache and the way he changes colors of the mustache. But he has also flirted with hitting 400 for much of the campaign. The Southern Cal transfer is hitting .350 as UK’s No. 1 designated hitter going into Saturday’s game in Omaha against North Carolina State. He has also played at third and first base.
Lopez has scored 57 runs and has 76 hits, two triples, six home runs, 22 walks and 50 RBI this season. His 22 doubles are tied for the third-most in a season in the UK coach Nick Mingione era. He has 24 multi-hit games this season.
Lopez was terrific in SEC play as he hit .348 with 31 RBI but Waldschmidt was even better as he hit .405 in league play. The left fielder hit .346 on the year with 64 runs, 17 doubles, 14 home runs, 46 RBI, 36 walks, 16 hit by pitch and 24 stolen bases.
Waldschmidt did all that despite tearing his ACL in summer league play in 2023 and missed time early in the season.
He also has received honors from the SEC and American Baseball Coaches Association.
One Response
Lopez is very consistent. You know he’s going to get a hit or 2 every game.