BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Alcorn State University baseball program earned its second SWAC weekly honor in as many weeks as
Justin Barna was named the Hitter of the Week, the conference office announced Monday.
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It marks the third time a Brave has been recognized as a player of the week this season.
Kirt Cormier was named Hitter of the Week on Feb. 19 after leading the Braves offensively at the Andrew Dawson Classic. Last week,
Carlos Lopez was tabbed Pitcher of the Week after earning a win over Mississippi Valley on April 20.
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"I'm really happy for Justin," said head coach
Bretton Richardson. "He's worked very hard with Coach [Tristan] Toorie on his swing. It's great to see his hard work paying off for him."
A senior from Gulfport, Miss., Barna posted a 7-for-13 effort at the plate last week with a pair of doubles, a walk, three RBIs, and six runs scored. He tallied nine total bases and was 2-for-3 on stolen base attempts. Defensively, he was responsible for 22 putouts for a 1.000 fielding percentage.
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In Alcorn's 10-4 win over Jackson State Friday, he batted 3-for-4 with a double, an RBI, a walk, and four runs scored. He led the Braves Saturday against the Tigers as he hit 2-for-4 with a double, an RBI, and a run. Trailing 3-0 early, he ignited a three-run response in the third inning with a two-out, two-RBI double to left. In the series finale Sunday, he finished 1-for-4 and brought in a run while recording 10 putouts. In Tuesday's loss at home to Grambling, Barna was a perfect 1-for-1 with a run.
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With a hit in all four contests, Barna is currently on a seven-game hitting streak and has also reached safely in as many games.
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The Braves are home this weekend as they wrap up league play with a three-game series against Alabama A&M.
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