STARKVILLE — Through four games, sophomore center fielder Jacob Robson owns the hottest start of any Mississippi State baseball player.
He also owns the first national award for a Bulldog this season.
On Monday, Collegiate Baseball named Robson the Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week. It is Robson’s first career honor.
“We are doing a good job getting on base, getting good at-bats, especially Robson,” MSU coach John Cohen said. “He had an outstanding weekend. I don’t think Wes Rea has come to the plate yet without Jacob on base. That’s huge as we try to get off to a good start, and our ability to get quality at-bats has been a big factor in that.”
The Windsor, Ontario, native reached base in his first 13 plate appearances. He reached base in 16 of his 17 tries in the four-game weekend.
Through four games, Robson leads MSU in runs (eight) and stolen bases (two) and is second in hits (six). Last season, Robson had one hit in 16 at-bats before missing the remainder of the season due to a leg injury.
“I’ve changed up a couple things coming into the spring,” Robson said. “I’ve worked a lot with the coaches from a hitting standpoint. I’ve just taken a little bit of effort out of my swing. That has helped me put the ball in play, and as a speed player, that’s my best chance. I can put the ball on the ground, whether it’s a chopper or whatever, and I can use my speed to get on first base.”
Rea out
The best start of Wes Rea’s career is on hold.
Rea, a 6-foot-5, 250-pound first baseman, was one of MSU’s most productive hitters in the team’s first three games (two wins against Cincinnati and another against Miami University.
Batting at No. 6 in MSU’s lineup, Rea delivered an RBI double Friday night and a grand slam Saturday. But after being hit by a pitch twice Saturday in a 19-5 win against Cincinnati, Rea missed Sunday’s game and, according to Cohen, the prognosis on Rea’s return isn’t clear.
“He got hit in the knee and it really lost a little bit of feeling in his foot,” Cohen said. “We needed to take some precautions. Hopefully we can get him ready for next weekend.”
Rea has three hits in his first eight at-bats. He also leads the team with seven RBIs.
MSU will play host to Marshall at 6:30 p.m. Friday at Dudy Noble Field.
Game against Mississippi Valley State canceled
MSU fans will have to wait for their first opportunity to see MSU play a midweek game.
Due to expected temperatures in the 30-degree range and a possibility for precipitation, MSU announced Monday morning that its game against Mississippi Valley State scheduled for 4 p.m. today was canceled.
MSU said it will attempt to reschedule the game against MVSU or to add another opponent.
Follow Dispatch sports writer Brandon Walker on Twitter @BWonStateBeat
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