For many people, change can be a scary thing. Junior Conner Mach, on the other hand, embraces new opportunities.

Last week, before Missouri’s road series against Baylor, Mach was informed that not only would he be moving from the familiar surroundings of third base to left field, he also would be hitting out of the leadoff spot. He had not spent significant time in either position, but that lack of experience has been anything but evident.

In fact, since his change of scenery, Mach has enjoyed his best success of the season. He was named Big 12 Player of the Week on Tuesday, after hitting .545 in the series win over Baylor. He racked up five RBI, 10 total bases and his first home run of the season during the series. He led Missouri in RBI, total bases, slugging percentage and on-base percentage. Mach was the spark that ignited an otherwise sputtering offense, helping lead the team to its first Big 12 series win.

Coach Tim Jamieson said he thought moving Mach up in the lineup might allow the Chesterfield, Mo., native to be more aggressive at the plate, and that decision has paid major dividends.

“Ever since we moved him to the leadoff spot he’s really been swinging the bat well, and he just seems more comfortable and confident,” Jamieson said. “It’s starting to click for him.”

Mach has taken the change in stride. Although he is hitting in a different spot, his strategy at the plate has been more or less the same, he said.

“Nothing with my approach has changed,” Mach said. “I like leading off. It’s been fun, and I’m doing pretty well at it.”

Although the lineup change seems to have helped ignite Mach’s recent hitting tear, he said extended work with the coaching staff has been the reason behind his success.

“I’m just trying to use the whole field,” Mach said. “Early in the year I was pulling off on a lot of pitches middle-in, and my coaches really helped me with my approach. I feel really good at the plate.”

Sophomore Eric Garcia, another Tiger enjoying similar success offensively, said the team has faith in Mach no matter where he appears in the lineup.

“He’s a great hitter,” Garcia said. “We can all trust him at the plate to get the job done.”

On the defensive side of the ball, Mach has been working hard to adjust to life in the outfield. He played high school football as well as baseball, and says he can use his natural athleticism to try to help the team.

“It’s a change, for sure,” Mach said. “I haven’t played much outfield in my career at all, but I’m just taking what I know as an athlete and trying to make plays.”

No matter where he finds himself in the field or on the lineup card, Conner Mach seems determined to make an impact. Sometimes, Mach says, change is necessary.

“It was just time to change it up and see what happens,” Mach said. “It worked out for the best.”