IRVING, Texas – The American Conference released its 10th set of 2026 weekly baseball awards on Monday, April 20. The league recognized UTSA’s Drew Detlefsen as the Player of the Week and tabbed Connor Kelley on the Honorable Mention list. Both Roadrunners earned their second such distinction of the season, with Detlefsen becoming the first American member to win two Player of the Week awards in 2026.
Once again, Detlefsen wowed at the plate last week, tallying eight hits in four games on a .381 batting average. The left fielder posted an OPS of 1.076, boosted by a double, a triple and a home run in addition to his five singles. He also walked once and stole a base as he scored a team-high seven runs on the week versus Baylor and Charlotte. Against the Bears, Detlefsen came away with three hits and as many runs scored, notching the game-tying and go-ahead hits in the eighth and 12th inning, respectively. The senior's eight putouts and one assist came without an error, vaulting his fielding percentage to .987 on the campaign.
This season, Detlefsen ranks fourth among all of Division I individuals in hits (67), 18th in RBIs (51), 20th in total runs scored (49), 28th in batting average (.394), 40th in home runs (13) and 48th in slugging percentage (.706). He has spearheaded a Roadrunner offense that ranks among the nation’s top 30 in walks drawn (228), batting average (.310), hits (423), on-base percentage (.428), runs scored (346), runs per game (8.7), sacrifice flies (30).
Meanwhile on the mound, Connor Kelley was exceptional across 6.2 innings of work in two outings last week. The junior allowed just four hits and struck out eight batters while holding the opposition scoreless, dipping his season ERA to 3.66. Kelley picked up the victory on Friday in an 11-5 triumph over Charlotte, improving to 3-1 on the campaign with 4.1 innings pitched and six strikeouts. This spring, he boasts a 47:16 strikeout-to-walk ratio, leading the squad in punchouts despite ranking third on the team in innings pitched (39.1).
As previously mentioned, Detlefsen is the first American star to win two Player of the Week awards in 2026. South Florida’s Michael Senay has won a pair of Pitcher of the Week honors this season, making him the only other individual with two weekly awards. Kelley earned his second appearance on the honorable mention list, matching Detlefsen who also did so twice this spring (March 2 and March 16).
American Conference Baseball Weekly Awards – April 20, 2026
Pitcher of the Week: Drew Detlefsen, Sr., LF, UTSA
Pitcher of the Week: Kaden Smith, So., South Florida
Honorable Mention
- Joseph Webb, Sr., RHP, East Carolina
- John Martinez, R-So., 2B, Florida Atlantic
- Michael Gupton, Sr., OF, Memphis
- Logan Rushing, Gr., LHP, Memphis
- Connor Kelley, Jr., RHP, UTSA
This week, Detlefsen and Kelley will lead the Roadrunners into battle during a four-game road trip. UTSA is set to visit No. 7 Texas A&M (31-7) on Tuesday at 3 p.m. for a midweek non-conference matchup. The ‘Runners then stay on the road, heading to New Orleans for a three-game series at Tulane (18-17, 3-9). The visitors eye their first sweep in league play while the Green Wave hope to improve on a 14-6 home record.
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