Auburn Sophomore Slugger is Tops in Nation for the Week

For Immediate Release

March 1, 2007

Bianucci Named Pro-Line Athletic National Hitter Of The Week
Sophomore led Tigers to 3-0 record at Coca-Cola Classic

AUBURN, Ala. - Mike Bianucci was named the NCBWA Pro-Line Athletic National Hitter of the Week, it was announced on Tuesday.

     Bianucci, from Fairfax, Va., belted two home runs and drove in seven runs en route to being named the Coca-Cola Classic Tournament MVP after helping guide Auburn to a perfect 3-0 record over the weekend. At the tournament, he hit .667 (8-for-12) with a double, triple and six runs scored to go along with his two homers and seven RBI for a 1.417 slugging percentage. In Sunday's tournament championship-clinching win over host South Alabama, he was a double shy of the cycle, driving in four runs.

     Already named the SEC Player of the Week for his performance in Mobile over the weekend, Bianucci become the second Tiger to pick up a national award as Josh Donaldson was named the Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week on Feb. 12.

     Bianucci become the third Tiger to be named a NCBWA National Player of the Week, joining Gabe Gross (April 15, 2001) and Eric Brandon (March 4, 2002).