LEXINGTON, Ky. — For the first time in program history, the Kentucky Wildcats have placed a position player as a first-team All-American for three consecutive years, as Sawyer Carroll was named a first-team Louisville Slugger All-American and Collin Cowgill a second-team All-American, the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper announced on Thursday.
UK has never had three players earn first-team All-America honors in the 104-year history of the program. In 2006, SEC Player of the Year Ryan Strieby was a consensus pick, and a year ago catcher Sean Coughlin was named a first-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. UK last placed players on All-America teams in back-to-back years in 1987-88, when Terry Shumpert (2B) and Chris Estep (OF) earned the honor. The Wildcats have only placed multiple All-Americans once, in 1991 when Rick Norton (3B) and Mike Harris (1B) were tabbed as All-Americans.
The honor is the first such career honor for UK?s two outfielders, who last week were named first-team All-SEC. The two have formed arguably the best outfield duo in college baseball, ranking among the SEC and national leaders in nearly every offensive category.
Sawyer Carroll ranks as the SEC leader in batting average (.416) and RBI (78), setting the school record for RBI in a season. Carroll has added 16 home runs and 21 doubles, leading the club with three triples. On the bases, Carroll has swiped 12-of-12 bases, adding three outfield assists from his right-field post. With a .384 career average, Carroll has positioned himself to be the career record holder for batting average. A year ago, Carroll led the SEC with 23 doubles, adding three homers and 56 RBI, to complement a .350 batting average.
Cowgill, a preseason All-American, has led UK with 18 homers and 23 stolen bases, adding 13 doubles and 57 RBI. With a .359 average, Cowgill ranks third on the club. Playing centerfield for the first time in his collegiate career, Cowgill has added seven outfield assists ? five coming throwing out runners at the plate.
In the SEC rankings, Cowgill checks in 11th in average (.359), fifth in slugging (.687), sixth in on-base percentage (.487), second in runs scored (75), sixth in RBI (57), fifth in home runs (18), fourth in total bases (145), third in walks (48) and fourth in stolen bases (23-for-27).
Kentucky opens NCAA play on Friday in Ann Arbor, Mich., facing No. 13 Michigan. First pitch in Ann Arbor is slated for 7 p.m. ET on Friday.
