IAN RICE NAMED SOUTHERN LEAGUE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

SEVIERVILLE, TENNESSEE - Ian Rice had two RBI's entering Monday's doubleheader with Mississippi. Nine runs batted in later, and Rice has been awarded player of the week. Rice is the first Tennessee Smokies player to achieve the feat this season. 
The Smokies catcher came into the set against the Jumbo Shrimp with a .235 average, which ended up being raised each day during the series. On Wednesday Rice went 3-3 with a double, home run, a run and RBI, while also reaching base on a walk. He saw his action the following contest as a pinch hitter, and singled his only time up. He continued to kebab the Jumbo Shrimp on Saturday, launching a three run homer that left the stadium and also reaching base on a walk. 
He capped off his outstanding week with a grand slam on Sunday, which was one of his two hits on the day. After the week, Rice now owns a .311 average and an on-base percentage of 462, the best on the team. In 10 at-bats vs. Jacksonville, Rice had seven hits, three home runs, and eight RBI's.
Rice's weekly numbers
8-13 (.615 average)
2 Doubles
3 Home Runs
5 Runs
9 RBI's
3 Walks
1 Strikeout
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES
The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the World Series Champion Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com