April 15, 2010
IRVINE, Calif. - Baylor sophomore right-handed pitcher Brooks Pinckard has been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award watch list, as announced by the association Thursday.
Pinckard, who has assumed the role of closer out of the Baylor bullpen, is one of 45 pitchers across the nation and one of six players from the Big 12 Conference named to the midseason watch list.
At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released on June 2, prior to the start of the NCAA tournament. The winner of the sixth-annual Stopper of the Year Award, who will be chosen by the NCBWA All-America Committee, will be announced on the opening day of the College World Series on June 19.
Pitchers from the Big 12 Conference won the award in its first two seasons in 2005 and 2006. In addition to Pinckard, the conference is represented on the watch list by James Allen of Kansas State, Brett Bochy of Kansas, Ryan Duke of Oklahoma, Chance Ruffin of Texas and John Stilson of Texas A&M.
A native of Buda, Texas, Pinckard has pitched in 11 games this season and converted all nine save opportunities on the season. He has allowed just one earned run in 15.1 innings for a 0.59 ERA, and his nine saves are the most ever by a Baylor sophomore.
Nick Cassavechia was the last Baylor pitcher named to the Stopper of the Year Award watch list. He was selected in 2007 and 2008.
The Bears return to action this weekend when they travel to Manhattan, Kan. for a three-game set against Kansas State. The Wildcats enter the weekend in second place in the Big 12 Conference. Shawn Tolleson is expected to start Friday night's game for Baylor. He'll be opposed by senior right-hander Ryan Daniel.
