Player of the Week: Kyle Lewis
Mercer Baseball’s Kyle Lewis was named SoCon Player of the Month for March, as announced by the league office this past week. The sophomore batter leads the SoCon in both home runs (10) and total bases (92) this season and also ranks among the conference leaders in hits (50), doubles (12), batting average (.382), slugging percentage (.702), runs scored (31) and RBIs (26). In addition, Lewis led the Bears to a league best 5-1 record in SoCon play during March, batting a team-best .386 with 21 runs scored, seven home runs and 18 RBIs.
A Snellville, Ga., native, Lewis says that he chose Mercer both for its academic atmosphere and for the success of its eminent baseball program.
“I love the laid back atmosphere around Mercer,” said Lewis. “Everyone is so friendly, and it fits perfect with my relaxed personality. I’ve been playing baseball my whole life, and to be able to play for a program like this has been extremely satisfying for me. I am able to receive an excellent education while still playing some great baseball.”
In his first season as a Bear, Lewis played in 42 games and started in 17 games. He was named to the A-Sun All-Freshman Team with a hitting percentage of .281 and 21 runs scored.
This year alone, Lewis has started in 33 games as an outfielder and has made a true impact for the Bears’ offense. Lewis says that his favorite moment so far this season was his walk off home run against Eastern Tennessee State University in March. Lewis’ hit closed out the Bears’ sweep of their league-opening weekend against the Buccaneers.
“We needed a big win, and the fact that I was able to deliver was so satisfying,” said Lewis.
Lewis also had another walk-off home run against the Belmont Bruins in the 11th inning, among other stellar offensive performances. In a non conference game against Bethune-Cookman, Lewis had a season high of four RBIs and also added a homerun in their 13-4 win.
The indisputable highlight of the baseball season so far came in late March, when the Bears defeated the University of Georgia twice, 16-4 at home and 12-8 away.
“Beating UGA twice has been huge for us as a team,” says Lewis. “We believe we are among the best teams in Georgia and to show it like that was great.”
A Business Marketing major, Lewis plans to play professionally after college.
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