FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 18, 2005

Jim Connell Named Little East Baseball Rookie of the Week

Providence, RI—Rhode Island College freshman first baseman/designated hitter Jim Connell (Smithfield, RI) was named the Little East Conference Baseball Rookie of the Week.

In six games last week, Connell went 10-for-23 (.435) with two home runs, three doubles, three runs scored and 14 RBI. For the season, he has played in 20 games, starting 19 of them. He is batting .269 with 18 hits, six doubles, two home runs, five walks, 11 runs scored and a team-high 19 RBI. Connell owns a slugging percentage of .448, a on base percentage of .338 and a .987 fielding percentage.

He is a physical education major and a 2004 graduate of La Salle Academy.

Head Coach Jay Grenier's team is 12-10 overall and 5-3 in the Little East Conference. The Anchormen played six games last week, all at home, and went 5-1. RIC opened up the week by defeating LEC opponent UMass Dartmouth, 6-3, on Tuesday Apr. 12. The Anchormen then defeated Roger Williams, 14-12, on Wednesday Apr. 13. RIC played LEC foe UMass Boston on Saturday, Apr. 16, and split the doubleheader, losing the first game 7-6, but taking the second contest from the Beacons, 11-4. The Anchormen concluded their week with a doubleheader sweep of LEC opponent Keene State on Sunday Apr. 17. RIC won the contests against the Owls by scores of 8-7 and 8-4, respectively.

In upcoming action, the Anchormen are scheduled to play five games this week. RIC will face Elms on Tuesday, Apr. 19 at home for a 3:30 p.m. tilt, before playing the rest of its games for the week on the road. The Anchormen will travel to Curry on Wednesday, Apr. 20 and to Clark on Thursday, Apr. 21, for 3:30 p.m. contests. RIC will close out its week on the road at LEC foe Western Connecticut on Saturday, Apr. 23 for a doubleheader slated to start at noon.

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