NEW YORK -- Butler outfielder Kyle Smith was named BIG EAST Player of the Week after his performance versus Rider over opening weekend. In his first series as a Bulldog, Smith went 6-for-11 with two home runs and six RBI.
 
Of his six hits against Rider, four went for extra bases as he had a double, triple and two home runs for the series with seven runs scored and a 1.364 slugging percentage. Smith had a league-high five RBI and two homers in the 14-3 Saturday win over Rider which tied the weekend series. Smith batted in the No. 2 spot for BU.
 
The fifth-year senior currently sits at fifth in the BIG EAST in batting average at .545.
 
Smith helped Butler jump out to a 2-1 start to the season, good for second overall in the BIG EAST. After the weekend, Butler ranks first in the conference in batting average, home runs and team ERA.
 
These were Smith's first three games in a Butler uniform, after transferring from Division II Mississippi College. At MC, Smith earned all Gulf South Conference honors after he helped his team win the conference championship in 2018, the first in program history. Smith led his team in run scored, doubles and on-base percentage that year.

Smith will look to build on his great performance this weekend as the Bulldogs travel to New Orleans to participate in the All State Sugar Bowl Baseball Classic hosted at the University of New Orleans.