Utah's baseball diamond has been sparkling a bit brighter this season, with three Utes players nabbing prestigious Big 12 Conference postseason honors. According to an announcement from the league, shortstop Core Jackson and pitcher Colter McAnelly made it onto the All-Big 12 First Team, while third baseman Austen Roellig snagged not only an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention but also a spot on the All-Freshman Team, Utahutes reported.
Jackson, who as a senior has been leading the team across the board, posted a .364 batting average and nailed a .641 slugging percentage. His figures across runs, hits, and steals have elevated him into the program's top-10 historic performances. Hinting at the dynamism of his gameplay, the toasty stats also included a cheeky straight steal of home during a fiery matchup on May 10 against Arizona. On the flip side, McAnelly, a mere sophomore, has shown he's more than just a flash in the pan with a 3.79 ERA and 92 strikeouts after claiming the Friday night spotlight as the Utes' starting pitcher.
Then there’s the newbie, Roellig, who flexed his reliability by being one of two players to start every Utes game this season. In a team-infused statement obtained by the school's site, his .341 batting average and a .981 fielding percentage encompass a player who has undoubtedly honed both his offensive and defensive acumen. His ability to step up anywhere in the infield and as a designated hitter marks his versatility as just as important as his consistency for the Utes.
