CARY, N.C. – Kansas State’s Dee Kennedy showed out in the squad’s first three games at the MLB Desert Invitational on Opening Weekend en route to being named USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award x D1 Baseball Week 1 Player of the Week.
Kennedy helped the Wildcats get off to a 3-0 start on the season with wins over Iowa, UConn, and Penn State. On February 13 in K-State’s 15-6 win over Iowa, he hit a grand slam to highlight his 2-for-5 day with five RBIs, then followed up on February 14 by tallying a hit in the squad’s 7-3 victory over UConn. On February 15 he had a 4-for-5 showing with two doubles and two home runs, including another grand slam, in the team’s 24-5 run-rule victory over Penn State. Kennedy tallied seven RBIs in the Penn State win, marking a career high for the junior shortstop after the five on Opening Day matched his career best.
Kennedy compiled a .538 batting average, .625 on-base percentage, and 1.385 slugging percentage over the three games. Kansas State wraps up its slate at the MLB Desert Invitational on Monday, February 16, with a matchup against Air Force.
Kennedy’s Stats at MLB Desert Invitational (through Feb. 15)
- February 13 – 2-for-5, 5 RBI, 3 R, 1 HR
- February 14 – 1-for-3, 1 RBI, 1 R
- February 15 – 4-for-5, 7 RBI, 5 R, 2 2B, 2 HR
USA Baseball, in conjunction with DI Baseball, will name a national player of the week throughout the 2026 season to highlight the best performances in college baseball. For the latest information about the Golden Spikes Award, visit GoldenSpikesAward.com or follow @USAGoldenSpikes on Twitter/X and Instagram.
