Michael Massey named Big Ten Freshman of the Week
Illinois’ Michael Massey (6) celebrates with his teammates after hitting a home run against Western Michigan at Illinois Field on April 18.
April 24, 2017
Michael Massey is the silver lining to a 1-3 week for Illinois baseball, which included a sweep at the hands of Purdue.
The freshman second baseman was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Monday.
Massey hit .500 (8-for-16) in the four games and had four RBIs.
He had two three-hit games, including one in a 13-3 rout over Western Michigan last Tuesday. Massey was a triple shy of the cycle in the non-conference matchup.
Massey is batting .395 during his nine-game hit streak.
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A key to the Palos Park, Illinois, native’s success is his ability to put the ball in play. He is one of the most difficult first-year players to strike out in the country, ranking fourth in the nation among freshmen in strikeout rate.
Massey and the Illini return to the diamond Tuesday night in Peoria. Illinois and Bradley will square off in the weekday game. The Braves took the first matchup of the season in March.
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