CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- After another huge week, Illinois second baseman Michael Massey has been named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second straight time, the conference office announced Monday. Massey hit .526 (10-19) on the week with three three-hit games including two three-hit games in a series win at Minnesota.
Massey is the fifth player to win back-to-back Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors since the award began in 2011. He joins Maryland's Tyler Blohm (March 13-20, 2017), Nebraska's Matt Waldron (May 16-24, 2016), Indiana's Sam Travis (March 26-April 3, 2012) and Indiana's Dustin DeMuth (March 28-April 4, 2011).
It is Illinois' third Freshman of the Week award this season, one for pitcher Ty Weber and Massey's two.
Massey helped Illinois clinch a series win over Minnesota with two three-hit games, including a homer in the series finale, in a Saturday doubleheader sweep of the Gophers. He also had three hits in the Illini's win Tuesday at Bradley.
Massey is riding a 13-game hitting streak in which he is hitting .439 (25-57) with two homers and 12 RBIs. Massey's hot streak goes further back than just the last 13 games. His entire month of April has been among the best in the conference.
Massey's April
» .382 (29-76), 4 HR, 16 RBIs in 18 games
» Current 13-game hitting streak
» .439 (25-57), 4 2B, 2 HR, 12 RBIs during hitting streak
» 10 two-out RBIs
» Seven three-hit games
» 19.0 at-bats per strikeout
» Turned 17 double plays
» .400 (8-20) with runners in scoring position
» .424 (14-33) with runners on
» .429 (9-21) reaching as a leadoff
» Batting average raised from .283 to .327
