The College Hot Sheet has returned for the 2024 season. Like our pro Hot Sheet that runs during the minor league season, we’re recognizing some of the top performers from around the country in college baseball after each weekend of play. Carlos Collazo and Peter Flaherty contributed to the College Hot Sheet this week. Players are listed in alphabetical order.
You can find our updated 2024 draft rankings here. All of our college coverage each week during the season can be found here.
After logging just 39 at-bats last season, Arbolida this year has thrived in an everyday role and has been one of Houston’s most productive hitters. The senior outfielder enjoyed a fantastic weekend, bookended by a pair of multi-homer games. On Friday, Arbolida went 2-for-4 with a pair of long balls and 3 RBIs before closing out the series by going 3-for-5 with two more home runs and five RBIs. Arbolida this year has especially pulverized fastballs to the tune of a 93% in-zone contact rate, and has shown off some thump to the pull side. He is now hitting .365/.456/.833 with seven doubles, a team-leading 12 home runs and 30 RBIs.
Keegan Batka, RHP, Central Michigan
Class: 2024
What He Did: 9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 14 K
Batka last season pitched his way to 3.67 ERA with 76 strikeouts across 81 innings, though this season he has not enjoyed the same success. However, Sunday was a bright spot in what has otherwise been a rocky season. Batka turned in the best start of his career and spun a complete-game shutout in which he allowed just three hits, a pair of walks and struck out a career-best 14. Batka’s fastball sits in the low-90s, but has topped out at 96 and features carrying life at the top of the zone. His best offering this year has been his low-80s sweeping slider that has generated a 34% miss rate. Sunday was a major step in the right direction for Batka who will look to finish out the regular season on a high note.
Bryce Cunningham, RHP, Vanderbilt
Class: 2024
What He Did: 9 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K
Cunnigham on Friday continued what has been an excellent season and spun a complete-game shutout against No. 23 Mississippi State in which he surrendered only two hits and two walks. He generated at least five whiffs with his fastball, slider and changeup for a total of 17 on the day. Cunningham retired the first 11 hitters of the game in order before allowing an infield single. He did a nice job of staying off the barrel of opposing hitters and…