March 3, 2008
Player of the Week
Wes Freie, Iowa
Jr., 1B/DH, Wilton, Iowa/Wilton
Freie earns the first weekly award of his career after helping Iowa to a 2-1 record last week, including an upset victory over No. 7 Vanderbilt on Saturday. Against the Commodores, the junior went 4-for-4 with an RBI, a double, a walk and a run as the Hawkeyes took a 6-3 victory at the Music City Classic. Freie opened the tournament with a 3-for-5 performance in a win over Xavier, scoring three runs and driving in one on a solo home run. On Sunday against Kansas, the Wilton, Iowa, native went 2-for-3 with two runs and a walk. For the weekend, Freie hit at a .750 clip and slugged at a 1.083 average for a combined OPS (on-base-plus-slugging-percentage) of 1.869. The junior averaged three hits and two runs scored per game and was named the Music City Classic MVP for his efforts.
Last IOWA POW: Travis Sweet (4/30/08)
Co-Pitchers of the Week
Brock Alberts, Iowa
Sr., RHP, Swisher, Iowa/Southeastern CC
Alberts takes home his first career weekly award after leading the Hawkeyes to a come-from-behind win over Xavier in Iowa's opening game at the Music City Classic. The senior made his season debut in the fourth inning with the Hawkeyes trailing, 9-5. Alberts pitched the remaining 5.1 frames and struck out 10 of the 21 batters he faced to hold the Musketeers scoreless as Iowa's offense completed the comeback bid.
Last IOWA POW: Mike Schurz (3/26/07)
Phil Isaksson, Minnesota
Fr., LHP, Eau Claire, Wis./Eau Claire North
Isaksson picks up the first weekly honor of his career for preserving Minnesota's lead over No. 29 Pepperdine as the Golden Gophers went on to claim the title at the Dairy Queen Classic. The freshman entered the game in the sixth inning with runners on first and third and one out with Minnesota clinging to a 3-2 lead. Isaksson worked 3.2 scoreless innings, not allowing a hit or a walk, and struck out four as the Gophers went on to the 5-2 victory and the tournament championship.
Last MINN POW: John Gaub (4/25/05)
