Lansing Sun

Michigan State University baseball players Jack Frank and Ryan McKay have been recognized by the Big Ten Conference for their performances last week. Frank received the Big Ten Conference Player of the Week award, while McKay was honored as the B1G Freshman of the Week. The announcement came from the conference office on Monday afternoon.

This is Frank's first Big Ten weekly honor this season, although he was named the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger of the Week last week. This accolade marks his second career B1G Player of the Week award; he previously received it on April 17, 2023.

McKay has now earned his second Freshman of the Week Award, having previously received this recognition on March 4 during the third week of the season.

This week's awards mark the second time this season that two Michigan State players have received B1G honors in the same week. Earlier, McKay and junior outfielder Nick Williams were both recognized by the conference.

Frank and McKay played pivotal roles in leading Michigan State to its first Big Ten series sweep over Michigan since 2016. The games took place entirely in East Lansing, contrasting with 2016 when two games were held in Ann Arbor and one in East Lansing.

The Wolverines entered East Lansing on a five-game winning streak but suffered consecutive losses to MSU. These were Michigan's first back-to-back losses since late March. The Spartans secured a victory in Friday night's series opener with a walk-off win in extra innings, followed by a high-scoring win on Saturday to clinch the series. However, they missed completing a sweep as Michigan rallied to win Sunday’s game in extra innings.

Jack Frank, a senior outfielder from Strongsville, Ohio, recorded an impressive .471/.550/.941 slash line for the week. He went 8-for-17 with two doubles and two home runs. In Saturday’s game against Michigan, his solo home run gave MSU a decisive lead.

Ryan McKay, a freshman infielder from Clarkston, Mich., maintained his hitting streak across four games during the week. His performance included several multi-hit games and key RBIs against both Notre Dame and Michigan.

The Spartans will conclude their homestand at McLane Stadium at Kobs Field against Bowling Green on Tuesday evening before traveling to Minneapolis for a three-game weekend series against Minnesota starting Friday.

Fans can keep track of MSU baseball through various online platforms or purchase tickets via the Spartan Ticket Office.