LAST WEEK: 3 App., .500 BA (9-for-18), 2 XBH, 7 RBI, 5 runs
Albanese appeared to be more than comfortable at the plate during Bryant’s three-game set at Atlantic Sun member USC Upstate. After going 0-for-6 with two walks during the season’s opening weekend at Maryland, Albanese exploded with a 9-for-18 (.500) showing in South Carolina. Providing power for a Bryant offense that plated 41 runs in three games, the rookie outfielder accounted for seven RBI and five runs scored. He connected on a game-tying sacrifice fly and added two-run single as part of a 3-for-5 performance in Game 1. Albanese’s 2-for-6 showing during Game 2 included the freshman’s first career extra-base hit, a run-scoring double in the eighth inning. Albanese accounted for an even more memorable moment in the series finale; the rookie belted the first home run of his collegiate career in the first inning before finishing 4-for-7 with four runs scored.