Castronovo named NEC Rookie of the Week

SMITHFIELD, R.I. -- Bryant University baseball freshman Vincenzo Castronovo (Utica, N.Y.) was named the Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week on Tuesday. 

Castronovo made the most of his first career start in the rubber game at ACC member Virginia Tech. The freshman outfielder, who doubled twice, drove in the first run of the 4-2 road win. Stepping to the plate for the first time in a scoreless game, Castronovo connected on a two-out RBI double in the top of the second. The Hokies intentionally walked the rookie in the fourth frame, but were burned by his bat again in the sixth. Castronovo belted a ground-rule double down the rightfield line and he came around to score the Bulldogs' fourth run two batters later. He's now 5-for-8 (.625) in his first five games. 

In addition, Chris Wright (Cumberland, R.I.) and Nathan Wrighter (Windsor, N.Y.) were named #NECPrimePerformers. The duo helped close out both Bryant victories over Virginia Tech last weekend. Wright picked up two saves, striking out five in two innings of work, while Wrighter didn't allow a run in 4 1/3 innings of relief in two appearances. Wrighter earned the win in the series finale. 

Bryant opens its eight-game Spring Break trip with a three-game series at Elon this weekend. Game one is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. on Friday. 

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