Ryan Lasko named Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time

Ryan Lasko entered his freshman season at Rutgers coming out of Jackson Memorial High School. To this point, he is exceeding those expectations.

The Scarlet Knights are coming off a three-game series victory over Northwestern to bring their record to 11-9 this season.

Following the series, Lasko was named the Big Ten Freshman of the Week for the second time this season. This is now the fourth time that a Scarlet Knights has taken home the award. Lasko’s first honor came on March 30. Jordan Sweeney earned the honor most recently on April 7 and Josh Rodriguez was the first on March 16.

Lasko started all three games in centerfield against Northwestern. He finished 6-for-14 at the plate including three home runs, five RBI’s, and three walks. Lasko also shined defensively, highlighted by a diving catch in Saturday’s 8-4 victory.

During Sunday’s rubber match, Lasko homered twice to give the Scarlet Knights a 3-0 lead. This was his second multi-home run game of the season.

On the year, Lasko has made 16 starts and it hitting .323 with a .389 on-base percentage. Lasko has driven in 14 runs and leads all Big Ten freshmen with six home runs. Defensively, Lasko has made just one error and holds a .976 fielding percentage.

“Ryan Lasko is a stud. We said that early on,” head coach Steve Owens said on his freshman outfielder. “He’s going to have ups and downs. He’s dynamic, he’s high-strung and his energy and excitement levels are off the charts. A very athletic player, and when he’s in a good place and playing even-keeled, he’s special. Ryan has done some stuff that I don’t know if I’ve had another freshman do what he’s done offensively against elite pitching as well as in the outfield. We’re very happy for him and he’ll continue to work hard and get better. A very exciting player.”

Lasko and the Scarlet Knights will be back in action this weekend for a four-game series against Iowa at Bainton Field in Piscataway.