Experienced, Confident Lewis Boosting UK Baseball Offense
Kentucky’s T.J. Collett was named National Player of the Week by Perfect Game after last week’s performance, which led the Cats to a 5-0 week.
While Collett was having his big week, another Cat was quietly putting up big numbers of his own. Second baseman Zeke Lewis had a big week last week as well and on Tuesday, he continued his torrid stretch at the plate.
Lewis was on base three times, via a pair of singles and a hit by pitch and scored two runs as Kentucky won its sixth straight game, beating Western Kentucky 10-4 at Kentucky Proud Park. In the process, Lewis extended his career-long hitting streak to seven games.
The Atlanta native is 12 of his last 21 and has seen his batting average skyrocket from .083 to .378 in a matter of 10 days. He has been on base in nine of his last 11 plate appearances, with seven singles and a pair of hit by pitches during that span.
Lewis, a redshirt senior, is trying to keep things simple to produce big results.
“Sticking to my routine, not trying to get too much into the numbers,” Lewis said. “But trusting my plan and staying consistent, that’s my biggest goal right now.”
The sudden surge in offense is a welcome change for Lewis, who hit .213 last season with20 hits in 94 at-bats, including four doubles and two home runs.
Lewis thinks that his experience is playing a role in his success so far this season.
“I believe so, knowing it’s my last year,” Lewis said. “Not putting too much pressure on myself, having fun, trying to help everyone else and try to help the team win.”
Kentucky head coach Nick Mingione also thinks that Lewis’ experience is helping him be a key cog in the Wildcats’ attack.
“There’s not a game or a team that he hasn’t seen, he’s really seen it all,” Mingione said. “He’s seen good road crowds, good pitching at home and on the road. There’s not a situation he’s not prepared for. It’s been fun to watch.”
Mingione loves what Lewis is bringing to the team.
“Consistency. He’s a guy that understand our system and plan and he’s another guy who is prepared for his moment,” the UK head coach said. “He’s just ready. He’s getting his opportunity and he’s making the most of it. He’s using the entire field, he’s going good. Happy for him.”
Lewis and the Cats hope to carry their offensive momentum into this weekend’s SEC opening series at second-ranked Vanderbilt. Lewis thinks the team is in a good spot as conference play begins.
“I feel like this is the most confidence we can have going into it.”
With a .571 batting average over his last 21 at-bats, Lewis will carry that confidence with him to Nashville, where Kentucky will face Vanderbilt for a three game series, with games on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. If the Cats are to be successful against the highly-ranked Commodores, Lewis will be in the middle of making that happen.
