WEEK 13 STATS: 4 games, .533 BA (8-for-15), 4 XBH (3 2B, HR), 5 R, 2 RBI, .933 slugging percentage
Turner posted the highest batting average (.533) and slugging percentage (.933) of all Northeast Conference players last week while spearheading the Blackbirds’ series victory over Sacred Heart. Trying to keep LIU Brooklyn’s postseason hopes alive, the sophomore third baseman totaled eight hits, including three doubles and one home run, during four must-win games against second-place SHU. Turner accounted for at least two hits and one run in each of the four contests against the defending NEC champion Pioneers. He singled and doubled during LIU’s 8-3 series-opening victory. Turner connected on two base knocks and a run-scoring sacrifice fly in Game 2. He also scored the go-ahead run in the fourth frame of the eventual 12-2 triumph. Turner led off the second inning of Game 3 by doubling before scoring the Blackbirds’ second run in the 4-0 win. After Sacred Heart plated three runs in the opening inning of the series finale, Turner took the Blackbirds’ zero off the board by homering to lead off the second. Last week’s 8-for-15 sample at the plate raised Turner’s season average 38 points in three days.