2026 Pitcher of the Week - Week 8

Luke Hillard 1B / RHP / Whitley County High School, KY / 2027

7.0 IP | 4 H | 2 R | 1 BB | 10 K | W

Taking home this week’s pitching award is Luke Hillard out of Whitley County High School. The junior two-way turned in a complete game gem over the weekend against Madison Southern, helping the Colonels secure another big win as they continue a very impressive regular season that has landed them at the #2 overall ranking. Hillard worked 7.0 IP, allowing just four hits and two runs while walking only one and striking out an impressive 10 hitters. After surrendering back-to-back singles to begin the game on a pop-fly and a bunt, the 6’1” 182-pound righty quickly settled in and took control, retiring 18 of the next 19 batters faced. The '27 RHP consistently attacked the zone and missed barrels throughout the day, opening 18 of 25 batters with first-pitch strikes. Hillard has been up to the mid-80s on the fastball, and pairs it with a strong offspeed mix that includes a 77-81 mph slider, 76-77 mph curveball, and a 77-81 mph changeup. Since transferring in for the 2026 season, Hillard has become a staple in the Whitley County rotation, now leading the staff with 44.1 innings pitched through nine starts. On the year, he has allowed just 24 hits and 13 earned runs for a 2.05 ERA, while striking out 57 hitters en route to an 8-0 record. The #2 ranked Colonels dropped a tough matchup to Sayre last night, but they’ll look to finish the regular season strong and carry momentum into postseason play. Congratulations to Luke Hillard on being named the Prep Baseball KY Pitcher of the Week!