McLaughlin Tabbed Big 12 Newcomer of the Week

LAWRENCE, Kan. – The Big 12 Conference named freshman third baseman Matt McLaughlin the league’s Co-Newcomer of the Week Monday afternoon, for his performance in four games spanning April 1-4 at Wichita State and at Oklahoma.

“I am absolutely thrilled for McLaughlin,” head coach Ritch Price said. “He is having an outstanding season both offensively and defensively, and he is well deserving of this honor.”

McLaughlin erupted for seven hits in 18 at bats during week eight of the season, including three doubles, four RBIs and three runs scored for a .389 batting average. The rookie also drew three walks to round out a .476 on-base percentage through the four games.

His three hits, two RBIs and run scored Wednesday, April 1, helped pace Kansas to a win over in-state rival Wichita State in an 11-inning affair.

“When we recruited McLaughlin, we had high expectations for him becoming an impact player,” Price said. “It has been a pleasure to watch his development over the course of the season.”

The San Jose, California, native hit safely in all three games at Oklahoma, extending his hitting streak to eight games, which is the longest active streak on the KU roster. In conference games this season, the rookie is second in the league at a .435 clip and ranks first in on-base percentage (.552), including 10 hits and six walks in 23 at bats.

McLaughlin is the first Jayhawk to earn a weekly recognition by the league’s office this season. The last KU player to earn a weekly honor by the conference was sophomore closer Stephen Villines when he took home Newcomer of the Week May 12, 2014.

McLaughlin and the rest of the Kansas baseball team begin a 10-game homestand, welcoming in New Mexico, April 7-8, for midweek action before hosting Big 12 foe Oklahoma State, April 10-12, at Hoglund Ballpark.
 
2015 Kansas Big 12 Players of the Week
·       April 6 – Matt McLaughlin (Newcomer of the Week)

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