LSU freshman pitcher Alex Lange may not have picked up his fifth win of the season this weekend, but his performance helped the Tigers’ rookie sensation pick up his second weekly award.
Lange was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance against Ole Miss on Saturday, the league announced Monday. He earned National Player of the Week recognition from Collegiate Baseball Newspaper later in the day.
Lange also earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors following his first-career performance against Kansas on Feb. 14.
He (4-0, 1.45 ERA) struck out a career-high 13 batters and allowed three hits over eight innings of work during the Tigers’ 5-3 loss to Ole Miss on Saturday. Lange’s 13 strikeouts were the most for an LSU pitcher since April 11, 2014.
Lange struck out the side in the second, fourth and eighth innings and at one point retired 14 consecutive Rebels. But LSU freshman closer Jesse Stallings gave up a run in the top of the ninth, preventing Lange from notching his fifth win in as many starts.
Lange has pitched a team-high 31 innings this season and allowed six runs on 20 hits. He has also fanned 39 batters while walking just eight.
The freshman will return to the mound this weekend when the Tigers take on Arkansas in Baum Stadium.