Naulivou Lauaki Jr. of the Oregon Ducks was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week after an impressive performance, hitting .471 with eight hits, including his first career home run and six RBIs. His contributions came during a pivotal week where he started all four games as the designated hitter.
Needing a spark at the plate, Oregon Ducks coach Mark Wasikowski made some changes to the lineup this week, inserting a couple of freshmen who had typically come off the bench into the starting lineup. Brayden Jaksa thrived at the top of the lineup, but it was Naulivou Lauaku Jr. who came away with conference honors.
Lauaki was recognized as the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for his performance in Oregon's four games this week, all of which he started. Lauaki served as the designated hitter in all four games, replacing Dominic Hellman, who has been the typical designated hitter this season. Hellman has slumped, leading to Lauaki's extra chances at the dish.
He made the most of them, slashing .471/.471/1.176 with a 1.647 OPS after collecting eight hits during the week. Lauaki belted his first career home run in a midweek loss at Portland, and followed that up with two more big flies on Saturday against Nebraska. He also had three doubles and six RBI during the week.
Lauaki took a redshirt for the Ducks last season and has been a steady force off the bench throughout this season. The slugger from Springville, Utah, has regularly pinch-hit and been featured as the designated hitter and first baseman at different points this season.
The Ducks have been collecting conference awards routinely this season, but this is their third Freshman of the Week honor. Angel Laya, who broke the Oregon freshman home run record on Sunday, has won the award twice this season. Ducks catcher Burke-Lee Mabeus also won the award once last year.
Hellman won Big Ten Player of the Week on March 23 after a big week at the plate, and left-hander Miles Gosztola won Pitcher of the Week on March 30 after a stellar midweek outing against UC San Diego.
Lauaki's recent success at the plate has given the Ducks a boost at the bottom of the order, and he is likely to remain in the lineup as the Ducks get set to battle rival No. 6 Oregon State on Tuesday.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon DH Naulivou Lauaki Jr. claims weekly Big Ten freshman award
Naulivou Lauaki Jr. hit .471 with eight hits, including three doubles and his first career home run, while accumulating six RBIs.
Lauaki earned a starting position due to the slump of regular designated hitter Dominic Hellman, leading to changes in the lineup by coach Mark Wasikowski.
Naulivou Lauaki Jr. is from Springville, Utah, and primarily plays as a designated hitter and first baseman for the Oregon Ducks.
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