EVANSTON, Ill. – SS Ryan Kucherak has been named Big Ten Player of the Week for his performance in Northwestern's series victory over Ohio State this past weekend, the conference announced on Monday afternoon.
Kucherak earns the honors after going 6-for-10 at the plate with two home runs, a double, five runs batted in, six runs scored, two walks, and three hit by pitches over the three-game weekend series against Ohio State. In three games against the Buckeyes, Kucherak slashed .600/.733/1.300.Big Ten Player of the Week ??@Ryankucherak earns @B1Gbaseball honors after a standout weekend against Ohio State! pic.twitter.com/WLZjn7auG7
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 12, 2025
In Friday's game, Kucherak went 2-for-3 with two runs scored, two runs batted in, and two walks. Kucherak walked the game off in the bottom of the seventh with a two-run single to secure the 12-2 run-rule victory.
In Sunday's rubber game, Kucherak logged his third multi-homer game of the season in a 17-2 rout to clinch the series win for the Wildcats. Kucherak's 14th and 15th home runs put him in a tie with Bob Brucato for second in Northwestern single-season history behind only current teammate Trent Liolios.BALLGAME. pic.twitter.com/Ziccw3WkoV
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 10, 2025
Kucherak has reached base in 14 straight games, the longest active streak amongst Wildcats, and has recorded an RBI in 13 of his last 15 games.
The Chandler, Ariz. native is the first Wildcat to win a Big Ten weekly honor since Matthew Kouser was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week on February 17, 2025. He is the first Wildcat to earn Big Ten Player of the Week recognition since Kevin Ferrer on May 22, 2023.
Kuch Crushed ?? @Ryankucherak
— Northwestern Baseball (@NUCatsBaseball) May 12, 2025
?? HRs #14 and #15 on the season
?? 3rd multi-homer game of the season
?? RBI in 13 of his last 15 games pic.twitter.com/w8uBYJdmzz