Kentucky’s Nic McCay Named SEC Pitcher of the Week

Kentucky pitcher Nic McCay has been named the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week, it was announced Monday. This is the first weekly honor of his career.

McCay, a senior from Carlisle, Iowa, was masterful in subduing a potent lineup in a 4-1 victory at No. 2 Tennessee over the weekend. The right-hander tossed 7.2 innings, allowing just one unearned run on two hits. He struck out a season-high 12 and walked three.

McCay was in control from beginning to end. He did not allow a hit after the third inning and retired 17 of 18 batters from the third to the eighth inning, the only runner coming on a walk. His 12 strikeouts were the most by a UK pitcher since Zack Lee in 2023 and the most by any pitcher this season against Tennessee. The performance set the stage for the Wildcats to win the series on Sunday, the first time they have done that in Knoxville since 2016.

 

Highlights from McCay’s performance include:

 W, 4-1, at No. 2 Tennessee: 7.2 IP, 2 H, 1 R (0 ER), 3 BB, 12 K

• He set season highs in innings, strikeouts and pitches.
• His 12 strikeouts are the most by a UK pitcher since Zack Lee had 12 vs. South Carolina in 2023.
• The 12 strikeouts are the most by any pitcher against Tennessee this season.
• It is his third quality start of the season (6 IP, 3 or fewer runs).
• Held Tennessee to fewest runs scored in a game this season.
• He did not allow a hit after the third inning.
• Retired 17 of 18 in stretch from 3^rd to 8^th inning, including 12 in a row, allowing only a walk.