Avella batted .500 (6-for-12) and drove in six runs during Wagner’s season-opening series at Big South Conference member Winthrop. The veteran first baseman recorded at least one hit and two RBI in each of the Seahawks’ three games. He slugged .917 over the weekend, totaling three singles, two doubles, and a home run. Avella plated Wagner’s first run of the season on a first-inning groundout before singling home another run two frames later in an eventual 3-2 loss. With his team trailing 4-1 in the sixth inning of game two, the right-handed slugger blasted a two-run homer, the 34th of his career, to left field. He added a pair of doubles and two RBI in the series finale.