While plenty of players deserve credit for Albany’s surging start, this week the Spotlight shines on Tyler Orris. A rising sophomore at Millersville University, Tyler hit a sizzling .545 last week, with two hits in each of his first three contests.

A two-sport star from New Cumberland, PA, Orris had quite the senior year. He was named Mid-Penn Commonwealth Division Player of the Year for his baseball exploits, mere months after winning the same award as a quarterback.

Although just a freshman last year, Orris won the starting shortstop job, then celebrated by reaching base safely in each of his first 15 games. He hit .285 on the year, striking out just 17 times all season.

A solid clutch performer, Tyler hit a robust .356 with 2 outs. He also delivered a pair of game-winning hits for a 40-18 team.. In his first game with the Dutchmen, he added another to his resume. His go-ahead RBI double in the 7th proved to be the difference in Albany’s 3-2 victory over Elmira.

Despite all of Tyler’s success at the plate, he may be even better in the field. Over Millersville’s last 50 games, Orris made just 5 errors in 215 chances, for a sparkling fielding percentage of .977. Tyler hasn’t missed a beat - or a grounder - with the Dutchmen, leading the team in assists while playing error-free ball thus far.

Coming from a small town in rural Pennsylvania, Orris will spend the next two months living in a city of close to 100,000 people.

“Albany was a little different at first,” he admitted, “but I’m staying with a great host family. Also, that charity burger challenge really helped us get to know each other.”  Dutchmen players participated in a burger eating challenge at J&A Prep Kitchen to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters on their second day in Albany.

“So far, it’s been a great experience.”