Bernal Named SEC Co-Player of the Week

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Redshirt senior shortstop Michael Bernal was named the SEC Co-Player of the Week today as it was announced by the Southeastern Conference office. Bernal was a key component in helping the Razorbacks go 5-0 last week, including important wins over No. 24 Rice, No. 9 Houston and No. 23 Texas Tech.

Bernal hit an even .400 over the last five games helping Arkansas stay undefeated this season with an 8-0 record, including a great weekend sweep at the prestigious Houston Shriners College Classic. In four of five games last week, Bernal had two hits and two or more RBI, giving him six multi-hit and seven multi-RBI games so far this season.

After hitting .333 with three home runs and seven RBI in the College Classic, Bernal was recognized as the tournament’s most outstanding player.

Currently the team and conference leader in home runs, Bernal hit all four of his season home runs last week, including having the first two home run game of his career against No. 9 Houston last Saturday. He didn’t finish the weekend quietly as his home run in the fourth inning against No. 23 Texas Tech completed a big five-run comeback, showing a clutch factor as well.

With his two home run game, Bernal became only the third Razorback since 2014 to hit two home runs in a game. Teammate Carson Shaddy hit two against Mississippi Valley State last week and Andrew Benintendi had two separate games where he hit two home runs in 2015.

Bernal also batted in a total of 11 runs through the last five games, giving him 13 for the year. That total leads the team and is good for the sixth-best in the conference. Five of those RBI were tallied in Arkansas’ 12-3 win over Houston, setting a new career-high for the El Paso, Texas-native.

Currently hitting .345 on the year, Bernal is one of four Razorbacks with 10 or more hits already this season and seven of those hits have been for extra bases (3 doubles). Bernal leads the team in slugging (.862) and has only struck out four times in eight games.

The Razorbacks will try to match its third-best start under head coach Dave Van Horn on Wednesday when they return to Baum Stadium take on Louisiana Tech at 3:00 p.m. The team will then welcome Eastern Illinois for the weekend tilt starting on Friday at 3 p.m. All games this week will be televised on SEC Network+. Click here for tickets.