BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Mizzou Baseball LHP T.J. Sikkema (DeWitt, Iowa) earned a spot on the 2017 All-Freshman SEC Team, announced Monday by the league office. Sikkema earned a spot as a relief pitcher and is Mizzou’s first Freshman Team selection since Trey Harris (Powder Springs, Ga.) and Tanner Houck (Collinsville, Ill.) earned a spot in 2015.

Sikkema was arguably one of the top relievers in the SEC before switching to a starting role over the last two weeks, a role in which he has been equally as impressive. Sikkema leads the SEC in opponent batting (.169), hits per nine innings (5.28) and WHIP (0.80) while ranking fourth in ERA (2.28) and wins (eight). His eight wins are the most for a Mizzou true freshman since Houck won eight during his freshman campaign in 2015. He has also posted four saves and has made 21 appearances (two starts) while amassing 75.0 innings.

Since he moved to the starting rotation, he has been even better and is coming off a complete game shutout in which he struck out seven while walking none and scattering just five hits last Thursday at Tennessee. He has just one loss on the year in 21 appearances. He also earned SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors Monday.

Mizzou opens the SEC Tournament on Tuesday, May 23, at approximately 1 p.m. against seventh-seeded Texas A&M.

— Mizzou Athletics —