Player of the week

Shortstop Ben Royo. This is an absolute no-brainer. In his first two starts of the season on Saturday, he went seven for seven with three home runs and seven RBIs. Royo hit 10 homers last year, so the pop wasn’t in question. But seven for seven in two games? That’s extremely impressive. It’s early, but Royo may be an offensive step up from freshman Boston Kellner, who won’t be able to play for at least two weeks after having his orbital bone broken by a 94 mph fastball Friday night.

Pitcher of the week

Reliever Hunter Bond. In two appearances last week, against Prairie View and Ole Miss, Bond threw 5 1/3 innings of hitless, scoreless ball while striking out seven and walking one. In his four appearances over 7 1/3 innings so far this season, he has given up two hits. That’s it.

Grahovac takes the lead in the RBI race

Gavin Grahovac didn’t have the best series against Ole Miss, going three for 13. But he still drove in four runs, which gave him the team lead over Caden Sorrell. Sorrell drove in three runs, including his 22nd homer, but now trails Grahovac in the RBI race 68-65.

Freshcorn becomes multi-inning option

Reliever Clayton Freshcorn was the hard luck loser in the second half of the doubleheader Saturday, giving up one run on two hits over five innings while striking out five. In seven of his last eight outings, Freshcorn has gone two innings of more. Even though he’s the team’s closer, Freshcorn has taken on a bigger role since early April, at least in part due to the lack of reliable arms in the bullpen. 

It’s not an incredible shock for two reasons: A&M did the same with Evan Aschenbeck down the stretch two years ago and Freshcorn was stretched out as a possible starter during training camp. Expect Freshcorn to continue to go multiple innings in one weekend appearance — especially if the Aggies are ahead.