PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Following a seven-hit weekend at Maryland, Rutgers baseball's Josh Rodriguez was tabbed Big Ten Freshman of the Week on Tuesday. The leadoff hitter started three of the four games with a hit and totaled 15 bases in the series.
 
"Josh has been one of the more consistent players on the team," head coach Steve Owens said. "He's worked really hard over the past year and learned a lot. He has really transformed himself into a special player to watch, and we're really excited about his start to the season. Josh has commanded the batter's box, controlled the tempo of his at bats, swung at good pitches and not missed them, reached base at a high level and hit for power. He's a presence at the top of the lineup and sets the tone for us."


 
Rodriguez went 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBIs in the Friday opener, with a stolen base, before adding three hits, two homers and three runs scored in the first game on Saturday. The Scarlet Knights posted three runs in the first inning in both those games. Appearing at designated hitter and in the outfield, he led off Sunday with a single and scored to finish the weekend 7-for-18 (.389) with a .421 on-base percentage and .833 slugging percentage.
 
The Belleville, New Jersey, native previously homered in the Minnesota pod and is slashing .357/.471/.750 through eight games in 2021. His nine runs scored is tied for second in the Big Ten, while the 27 total bases rank seventh.
 
Rutgers (4-4) is home this weekend for a three-game series at Bainton Field versus Ohio State (5-3). Watch via Big Ten Network+ or listen on WRSU 88.7-FM.
 
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