April 27, 2009
NASHVILLE, Tenn. –Junior shortstop Brian Harris was named Southeastern Conference Player of the Week after sparking Vanderbilt to a 4-1 record last week.
The former Montgomery Bell Academy standout was 10-for-22 (.455) with three doubles, two homers, seven RBI and seven runs scored from the leadoff spot. He drew a 3-2 bases loaded two-out walk to bring in the tying run in the ninth inning against Big East power Louisville. VU then went on to win 4-3 in 10 innings to snap a four-game losing streak.
Harris accounted for three RBI in that road win and then went 8-for-13 (.615) with two doubles, two homers, four RBI and five runs scored in leading VU to a three-game sweep of Mississippi State. He is now tied for second in the SEC with 16 doubles while batting .329 overall with six homers and 36 RBI.
“I have said all year that Brian has been one of our most valuable players and he really had a nice week both offensively and defensively at short,” said Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin. “It’s good to see him get recognized with the weekly honor.”
It is the first time Harris has garnered the award in his career and he is the first Commodore to get hitter of the week this season. Mike Minor was SEC Pitcher of the Week on April 13, while Sonny Gray (4/6) and Aaron Westlake (3/2) both earned SEC Freshman of the Week plaudits earlier in the year.
Vanderbilt has the week off for finals and will return to action this weekend against South Carolina. The Gamecocks are 27-18 overall and 9-12 in league play after getting swept at Florida last weekend in Gainesville. Game times are at 6 p.m .CT on Friday and Saturday and 12:30 p.m. CT on Sunday. All three games will be televised on SportSouth.
