Corey Bird turned in an efficient weekend of work as the sophomore led the Herd to a 2-1 series victory over Conference-USA foe, Old Dominion University.

Bird collected seven total hits in the series and put on a clinic in game two of the series going 4-5 with runs from the batter’s box in a 5-1 Herd victory.

Bird also drove in a run during the Herd’s fourth inning scoring frenzy, feuling the team’s 6-1 win in the opening game of the weekend. 

Bird has been effective throughout the season as the Herd’s leadoff hitter, repeatedly flustering pitchers and providing a baserunner for the team’s heavy hitters.

Bird leads the team with 50 hits this season, and his .314 batting average ranks second on the team of all players with more than 70 at bats.

He has abided by the job description that comes with batting leadoff producing a .389 on base percentage.

Bird’s speed inside the base paths has also been a valuable offensive asset as he’s tied for the team-lead with seven stolen bases this season, consistently threatening to reach scoring position after getting on base.

Bird’s fielding work has also been a welcomed success this season patrolling centerfield. He has registered a .982 fielding percentage this season while amassing just two errors in 38 starts.

“I’ve been working with coach Waggoner on my hitting,” Bird said. “He’s been helping me a lot with not trying to do too much, but rather just stick with my strengths. Anything that helps the team is good for me.”

Bradley Heltzel can be contacted at [email protected].