Batts honored by Conference USA

East Carolina senior outfielder Stephen Batts was named hitter of the week by Conference USA Monday.

Batts hit .533 (8-of-15) last week as the Pirates went 3-1. He hit two homers, three doubles and drove in four runs. Had a 1.133 slugging percentage, .632 on-base percentage and has a 12-game hitting streak, which extends into the 2008 season.

Batts is a Wilmington native. He was named “Bat of the Week,” in The N&O’s first Thursday baseball column on Feb. 26. The column will carry through the minor league baseball season this year.

The conference gave Rice junior righty Ryan Berry the pitcher of the week award.