Titus named NEC Rookie of the Week for second time

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – Bryant University baseball freshman Jimmy Titus (Stafford, Conn.) has been named the Northeast Conference Rookie of the Week after his efforts this past weekend helped the Bulldogs earn their sixth-straight regular-season title.

Titus went 10-for-21 (.476) with two doubles and three RBI in four games against Sacred Heart. It is the second time this year that Titus has earned rookie of the week honors.

It was tough start for Titus as he went 0-for-4 in the first game but he quickly rebounded, going 5-for-8 in game two of the series, a 17-inning thriller. He tied the game with an RBI double in the top of the eighth. Titus closed out the series with five hits in Friday's doubleheader. He had two hits in Bryant's 5-1 win in game one and then had three more hits in the game two victory. Titus opened the scoring with an RBI double in the first and then delivered the game-winning run in the ninth. Sacred Heart intentionally walked sophomore Nick Angelini (Bedford, N.H.) to load the bases and Titus came through with a single through the left side to make it 3-2.

Titus has enjoyed one of the best freshman seasons in program history this year, hitting .294 with 13 doubles, two triples, seven home runs, 38 RBI and 38 runs scored. His seven home runs are the most by a rookie in DI program history.

In addition, sophomore Steve Theetge (Syracuse, N.Y.) was named a Prime Performer. Theetge tossed his third complete game of the season in game three of the series, limiting the Pioneers to one run on six hits. It was Theetge's seventh-straight victory, his league-leading eighth of the year and his 13 without a loss in 14 career appearances against NEC opponents.

The Bulldogs wrap up the regular season with a non-conference home-and-home with in-state rival Rhode Island on Thursday and Friday.