LEXINGTON, Ky. — The early season recognition continues to roll in for the Kentucky baseball team, as freshman Jason Kipnis was named the National Freshman of the Week by Collegebaseball.rivals.com, the website announced Monday.

Kipnis, who earlier Monday was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, had a monster weekend in UK?s three-game sweep of Furman. The redshirt freshman outfielder batted 5-for-9 with seven runs scored, two home runs, and four RBI. The highlight of his weekend came when he ripped his first two career home runs as part of the Wildcats nine-run sixth inning on Saturday. Kipnis was also hit by three pitches and drew a walk, good for a .643 on-base percentage.

Kentucky (3-0) ran through Furman to the tune of 41 runs, the most scored since hanging up 41 on Northwestern a year ago.

The website also tabbed the Wildcats as one of the top-five surprises of the weekend, having this to say about UK?s showing in Greenville, S.C. ?

The Skinny: Kentucky shocked the college baseball community by winning an SEC Championship last season, but coach John Cohen and the Wildcats aspire for much more this spring. While some top teams struggle early in the year, the Wildcats did everything but that in their season opening series at Furman. Led by an offensive onslaught that plated 41 runs in three games, the Wildcats swept the Paladins in dominating fashion. Newcomers Jason Kipnis and Sawyer Carroll impressed at the plate, while veteran outfielder Antone DeJesus had a productive weekend.
What’s Next: After a successful opening weekend at Furman, the Wildcats head home for their next 20 games. This week, the Wildcats face Murray State in a midweek bout before welcoming Tennessee Tech to town for a three-game series. Another solid week is ahead for the Cats.

UK also moved up one position in the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Top-30 poll, from No. 26 to No. 25 after its stellar weekend.