The 2019 season may have just started for the Texas Longhorns, but the accolades have already started to roll in.

Pitcher Bryce Elder was named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week following his performance Friday night in the Longhorns’ 3-1 win over Lousisiana.

Elder was named the Longhorns’ Opening Day starter just three days before the season opener. He backed up head coach David Pierce’s decision by throwing eight innings, in which he struck out nine batters, allowed just four hits, one run and walked none.

However, Elder was credited with one run allowed after the leadoff batter in the bottom of the ninth inning reached base. That runner later scored under the watch of pitcher Kam Fields, but Elder was accredited for giving up the single.

Pierce’s decision to go with Elder as the ace of the squad is already beginning to pay off. Last season, the sophomore was used out of the bullpen and accumulated a 6–1 record with two saves in 22 appearances.

The Longhorns will have the opportunity to rack up more Big 12 accolades this week with a Tuesday game at Rice and a weekend series against Purdue at UFCU Disch-Falk Field.