(ALBANY, NY)-- Tyler Kipp (Fairfield) has been named the Week #5 Spotlight Player of the Week presented by Bellini’s Counter.
For the week of June 26th through July 2nd, Kipp went 4-for-12 (.333) with a double and four runs batted in to go with a walk and a hit by pitch in four games played. Kipp’s success at the plate has made him one of the Dutchmen’s offensive leaders, as he now ranks in the top five of active players in average, hits, doubles, runs batted in, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage.
“At the beginning of the year I was struggling a little bit, but I felt I was hitting balls hard,” Kipp said. “I stuck to my approach and those hard hit balls have started to fall. I’m starting to get guys in and get on base, which has felt good to turn around.”
Kipp’s success over the past week saw his on-base percentage rise to .400 and his run batted in total jump to 11, both good for second amongst active Dutchmen (Vince Venditti, .468 and 12). A consistent mentality is what Kipp believes will help him continue his successes through the back half of the Dutchmen season.
“It’s all about staying positive and confident and sticking to your approach,” he tipped. “Being positive and in a good mindset is the most important thing throughout the summer. If you do that and go out and play hard, you’ll know the results will come.”
After seeing limited action at Fairfield in his first two years, the Montauk, Connecticut native knows opportunity lies ahead in his junior year for the Stags.
“We had a really good year this past year, but will have a lot of new guys coming in next year,” Kipp noted. “We had a couple middle of the lineup guys transfer and I think a lot of spots will open up, but I’m very confident we’re going to have a lot of young guys who are great players step up and we’re going to put together another good year.”
Kipp and the Dutchmen return to play on Tuesday, when they head to Oneonta to face the Outlaws for some July 4th action. First pitch from Damaschke Field is set for 6:00 PM.
