MORGANTOWN, W. Va. (NCBWA) – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) released its Dick Howser Trophy National Player of the Week awards presented by The Game Headwear for the period ending March 7. Troy redshirt sophomore outfielder Shane Lewis was named National Hitter of the Week, while Louisville sophomore right-handed pitcher Carson Liggett was named National Pitcher of the Week. The NCBWA Board reviews candidates from each Division I Conference and names winners each Tuesday throughout the season.
Lewis had some of the best outings of the past week against UAB and USC-Upstate in the country. The Vicksburg, Mississippi, native hit a team-high .615, going 8-13 with 14 RBIs, four home runs and five runs scored.
An historic day in game two against the Spartans saw Lewis record eight RBIs with two home runs, the first time a Trojan recorded eight RBIs in a single game since 2006. Lewis leads the nation in runs batted in per game (2.36), recording at least one RBI in all but three games this season.
Lewis is among the conference leaders in several offensive categories, including RBIs (26), second in slugging percentage (1.000,) and home runs (8). Lewis's eight home runs already match the Trojans' total for most hit by a player last season. In addition, he has reached base safely in all 11 games this season.
Liggett took the ball against Michigan on Sunday for the Cardinals, going the distance in a 10-0, seven-inning victory.
The right-hander worked seven shutout innings, allowing just one hit in the complete-game effort. Only three Wolverines reached base during the game and Liggett retired 16 of the final 17 batters he faced.
Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. For more information about the NCBWA, visit the association's official Web site, ncbwa.com. For more information, contact NCBWA Executive Associate Director Mike Montoro (304-293-2821, mike.montoro@mail.wvu.edu).