Griffin Merritt winning the AAC Player of the Year, Paul Komistek, Ryan Nicholson, Beau Keathley, and ..."/> Griffin Merritt winning the AAC Player of the Year, Paul Komistek, Ryan Nicholson, Beau Keathley, and ..."/>
Cincy on the Prowl
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Cincinnati Baseball: Five players earn 2022 All-AAC honors

By Charles Post

Cincinnati Bearcats mascot is seen during game against Tulsa. Getty Images.
Cincinnati Bearcats mascot is seen during game against Tulsa. Getty Images. /
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In addition to Griffin Merritt winning the AAC Player of the Year, Paul Komistek, Ryan Nicholson, Beau Keathley, and Conner Linn were selected to the All-AAC Second Team. Merritt was also named to the First Team. Cincinnati tied a school-record with five all-conference nominees for a second straight season.

Merritt recorded a conference-high 17 home runs, to go with a .309 batting average and .676 slugging percentage. The junior left fielder ranked second in the AAC with 16 doubles, 41 runs scored, 47 RBI and 127 total bases. He became the second player in school history along with Ian Happ to win AAC Player of the Year.

Cincinnati Baseball: Five players earn 2022 All-AAC honors

Komistek was selected to the Second Team after leading the Bearcats with 68 hits and a .438 on-base percentage as a junior. During his sophomore season, Komistek earned First Team honors and was named 2022 AAC Preseason Player of the Year. He also started all 52 games and ranks second on the team with 105 total bases.

Nicholson has continued to improve every year with the Bearcats and it resulted in a successful sophomore campaign. The first baseman led Cincinnati with 366 putouts and was second on the team with 11 home runs and 36 RBI. He ranked fifth in the American Conference with 11 doubles and 39 runs scored.

Following his junior season at Oakland, Keathley transferred to Cincinnati and has remained a consistent relief pitcher. He was named AAC Pitcher of the Week in March after throwing six scoreless innings and striking out 12 batters against Saint Josephโ€™s. The senior pitcher ranked fourth in the conference with 83 strikeouts and 76 innings pitched.

Keathley earned All-Horizon League honors at Oakland in 2019.

Lastly, Linn received recognition on Monday afternoon after showing significant improvement as a sophomore. The left hander led the Bearcats with a 4.07 ERA and went 4-2 in 10 starts. Keathley is expected to start the AAC Tournament first round against Tulane tomorrow but Linn should be in line to take the mound on Wednesday or Thursday.