Devin Burkes Named Most Outstanding Player of Lexington Regional

Kentucky catcher Devin Burkes won over the hearts of the Big Blue Nation during an historic weekend at Kentucky Proud Park. The Kentucky catcher was named Most Outstanding Player of the Lexington Regional after propelling the Wildcats from out of the losers’ bracket and into the Super Regionals.

During Monday night’s decisive game seven, Burkes tallied a pair of hits and a walk in three at-bats. His best moment came during a tie ballgame in the sixth. He hit a double down the left-field line, then turned that into the go-ahead score thanks to a double from Hunter Gilliam.

During Kentucky’s five-game run through the Lexington Regional, Devin Burkes batted .462 from the plate. The catcher had two doubles, two home runs and 7 RBI. His first Big Blue Bomb got the Bat Cats on the board in game one, and they never looked back, winning a Regional Championship for just the second time in school history.

A Devin Burkes solo home run gives the ‘Cats a 1-0 lead in the fourth.

E4: #12 Kentucky 1 / Ball State 0 ⚾️

pic.twitter.com/Jzw2Sxye8W

— Daniel Hager (@DanielHagerKSR) June 2, 2023

Devin Burkes was one of seven Kentucky Wildcats selected to the Lexington Regional All-Tournament Team. Of all his peers, Mason Moore gave Burkes the best competition for the top honor of MVP.

While providing relief from the bullpen, Mason Moore was dialed in, allowing only four hits and two earned runs in 10.0 innings pitched. Moore struck out seven batters and finished 2-0 in the win-loss column, including the clinching victory over Indiana.

Lexington Regional All-Tournament Team

Catcher: Devin Burkes, Kentucky (Most Outstanding Player)

First Baseman: Hunter Gilliam, Kentucky

Second Baseman: JJ Wetherholt, WVU

Shortstop: Phillip Glasser, Indiana 

Third Baseman: Jase Felker, Kentucky

Left Fielder: Ryan Waldschmidt, Kentucky 

Center Fielder: Bobby Whalen, Indiana

Right Fielder: Nolan McCarthy, Kentucky 

Designated Hitter: Carter Mathison, Indiana

Pitcher: Austin Strickland, Kentucky

Pitcher: Mason Moore, Kentucky