Former Logan County Cougar baseball standout Ryan Harper has the hottest bat around in college.

The 5-11, 190-pound junior is not only leading Lindsey Wilson College’s regulars in batting average, but he also has the highest batting average in conference games for any player from any team in Mid-South Conference. He has been among the top 10 batters in the nation in NAIA standings.

Harper ended the weekend with a .436 average with 36 hits in 83 at-bats. Over a third of those hits (13) are doubles and he has also homered. Those hits plus three sacrifice flies have led to 22 RBIs. He also has walked seven times and been hit by four pitches. The Raiders’ designated hitter has an on-base percentage of .485 and a slugging percentage of .627.

He has played in 36 of the Raiders’ 50 games, 26 as a starter. Coach Jonathan Burton’s team has a 33-17 record.

Harper played in only eight varsity games as a sophomore, but he batted .286 in limited opportunities. He was named Academic All Mid-South last year.

“Ryan’s hard work and perseverance is paying off,” says his dad, Jeff Harper. He is also the son of former Lady Cougar Christy Burton Barnette of Lexington.