March 25, 2008

UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND, Va. - For the second consecutive week, Richmond freshman Billy Barber has been tabbed the Atlantic 10 Rookie of the Week in baseball. Barber batted .412 (seven-for-17) last week and launched three more homers as the Spiders extended their winning streak to six-consecutive games.

Although the Fredericksburg, Va. native's home run streak was halted at five earlier in the week, he homer against both Old Dominion and La Salle, including his first collegiate grand slam that proved to be the difference Thursday's 7-4 victory over the Explorers. The freshman helped the Spiders to a sweep of La Salle by driving in six runs in the weekend series thanks to his tenth homer of the season and a double.

Barber had at least two hits in all but one game, finished with 11 RBI, eight runs scored and walked twice. He also pitched 4.2 innings of relief for the week, allowing three hits, one earned run, no walks and one strikeout.

The designated hitter, who last week was tabbed the A-10 Player and Rookie of the Week awards winning with both the Louisville Slugger and College Baseball Insider National Player of the Week awards, is batting .407 this season with 10 homers and 37 RBI.

The Spiders host defending Ivy League champion Brown at Pitt Field Wednesday. First pitch is set for 3 p.m.