Kentucky’s Nic McCay Named NCBWA Co-National Pitcher of the Week
Kentucky pitcher Nic McCay continues to rack up weekly awards for his masterful performance against No. 2 Tennessee over the weekend.
In addition to already having been named the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Week, McCay also has been honored as the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Co-National Pitcher of the Week, D1Baseball.com SEC Pitcher of the Week and a member NCAA.com’s Team of the Week.
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 3rd to 8th inning, including 12 in a row, allowing only a walk.
