KU baseball’s Tyson LeBlanc named most outstanding player at NCAA regional
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- Tyson LeBlanc was named most outstanding player of KU’s NCAA baseball regional.
- LeBlanc hit three home runs, drove in eight RBIs and drew four walks in three games.
- KU advanced to the Super Regional for the first time in school history.
Kansas junior slugger Tyson LeBlanc was named most outstanding player of the NCAA Baseball Regional held Thursday through Sunday before school-record crowds at Hoglund Ballpark.
The 6-foot shortstop from Maurice, Louisiana ripped five hits in 11 at-bats with three home runs and eight RBIs. He also drew four walks.
LeBlanc, KU’s all-time single-season home run leader (with 24) hit one home run in each of KU’s three regional victories — two total in two games versus Arkansas and one against Northeastern.
“It’s unbelievable his ability to stay in the moment,” KU coach Dan Fitzgerald said of LeBlanc after Sunday’s 13-10 victory over Arkansas that advanced KU into the Super Regionals for first time in school history.
“It’s so fun watching a player continue to take jumps, and he’s on such an ascent, and he just gets better every time out. He’s so accountable, such a great worker. His approach at the plate is so … he does not come off it (the ball) and his focus is incredible. He’s going to be playing baseball for a long time,” Fitzgerald added.
LeBlanc’s three-run home run in KU’s six-run fourth inning turned a 5-3 deficit into a 6-5 lead.
“Leading up to the home run I spoiled off a few good pitches. That pitcher (reliever Cole Gibler) was great. I was looking for a hanging breaking ball and that’s what I got,” LeBlanc said.
He had two of KU’s 14 hits off seven pitchers. Arkansas totaled 13 hits off KU’s five pitchers. Closer Boede Rahe, who had pitched four scoreless innings combined in KU’s first two regional games (wins over Northeastern and Arkansas) allowed three runs in two innings.
“To be able to give the fans what they’ve been waiting for a long time, that was an amazing feeling,” LeBlanc said. The Jayhawks were playing in their first regional final since 2009. The school was hosting a regional for the first time.
“Looking up (after final out was recorded) with all the families in the stands, the student section, everyone, it was a great feeling,” LeBlanc noted.
KU left fielder Brady Ballinger (2-for-5 with two RBIs) enjoyed bonding with the fans who sat or stood behind him out in the left field “Backyard.”
“lt was awesome getting to see fans up close and personal, especially in left field. You know, it was just so cool getting to see them and being here and being able to hear them. They had me start a few of the claps (and chants) a few times, but it was so awesome,” Ballinger said with a smile.
“They made that wall for him,” LeBlanc said of the outgoing Ballinger.
The Jayhawks now will wait to see if their Super Regional opponent is Oklahoma or Georgia Tech. Those two teams play for the Atlanta regional title Monday. If OU wins, KU would host the Sooners in the best two-of-three Super Regional. If Tech wins, KU would travel to Atlanta for the Super Regional.
Fitzgerald said he and his assistants would begin preparing for both teams Sunday night. KU’s coach said he’d make sure to also enjoy the victory with loved ones.
“My faith and my family and trying to win baseball games,” Fitzgerald said of what’s important to him.
“To share it with them is incredible,” he added of his wife and three sons who made it onto the field for hugs after Sunday’s final out. “It’s just really special.”
