Andy Wilkins Named SEC Freshman of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas designated hitter/first baseman Andy Wilkins was named the SEC Freshman of the Week by the conference office on Monday afternoon.

The true freshman from Broken Arrow, Okla., came through in the clutch for the Diamond Hogs in the season-opening sweep of Wright State with two game-winning hits. Wilkins started all three games of the series with two starts at designated hitter and one at first base.

“Andy [Wilkins] was a big part of our sweep of Wright State and very deserving of this honor,” Arkansas head coach Dave Van Horn said. “He handled all of the pressure and expectations and came through with several big hits throughout the weekend. He is an outstanding young hitter who we are going to be counting on this season.”

Wilkins hit .455 vs. Wright State with a team-best six RBI and a three-run home run. His home run proved to be the game-winner in the season opener. Wilkins then went 3 for 3 in the second game on Saturday with a walk and a RBI. He then ripped a two-RBI single past first base in the series finale to put the Razorbacks on top to stay in a 7-3 win.

Wilkins boasted a .727 slugging percentage and a .571 on-base percentage with the help of three walks vs. the Raiders. He also hit .500 with runners in scoring position and .500 with two out, including four two-out RBI.

Arkansas continues a five-game season-opening homestand on Tuesday, Feb. 26, against Southeast Missouri State at 3:05 p.m. from Baum Stadium.