that smarts

There may be bit more pressure on Southern Miss’ touted freshmen to perform given the news out of Golden Eagles camp. Outfielder Kameron Brunty, a four-year starter, reportedly has a broken hand that could sideline him 6-8 weeks. That would mean missing the start of Conference USA play (Houston and Rice are up first) and possibly as many as five league series. That’s a painful blow. Brunty was hitting .370 with a team-leading 10 hits in eight games for the 6-3 Eagles, who pounded Alabama on Wednesday. Brunty, from Gulf Breeze, Fla., batted .301 with five homers and 34 RBIs last year as USM’s leadoff batter. He was in the 3-hole this season and was being counted on to carry a rebuilt lineup. The load just got heavier for freshmen Mason Robbins (.400 in seven games) and Connor Barron (.360 in six). They were the centerpieces in a recruiting class that was ranked in the top 15 nationally by two different publications.