SAN FRANCISCO – One week in and Nick Madrigal has already made an impact on the Oregon State offense. So much that he’s already being recognized by the Pac-12 Conference.
The freshman was named the Pac-12 Player of the Week on Tuesday. A native of Elk Grove, Calif., he batted .500 (7-for-14) with two runs scored, one double and six runs batted in over his first three games. His statistics accrued Monday in the win over Utah did not count toward his honor.
Of Madrigal’s six runs batted in, five came with two outs.
He began his collegiate career in spectacular fashion, going 4-for-4 in Oregon State’s 7-6 win over Ball State on Friday. He followed that up with a 2-for-4 effort against Minnesota Sunday in which his second single, coming in the eighth, drove in fellow freshman Cadyn Grenier for the game-winning run.
Madrigal’s honor is the 67th Player of the Week award earned by an Oregon State player dating back to 1986. That trails only Arizona State (105) and Stanford (73).
The Beavers return to action Thursday when playing the first of two straight against Kansas State in Surprise, Ariz. First pitch is slated for 12 p.m. PT.
– Oregon State Athletics