CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – Senior closer Tyler Peitzmeier was named to the midseason watch list for the 11th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America Stopper of the Year Watch List, it was announced Tuesday.
Assuming the closer role in 2015, Peitzmeier has made 17 appearances in 38 games so far this season including one start. He has not blown a save in 12 opportunities this season and is currently in a five-way tie for third place in the nation with 12 saves.
Peitzmeier is 1-1 with a 3.33 ERA in 24 and 1/3 innings pitched this season. He has 33 strikeouts and five walks. His 6.60 strikeout-to-walk ratio has him ranked in the top-100 in the nation.
The NCBWA will announce five finalists for the 2015 Stopper of the Year – the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts – on Wednesday, June 3, prior to the start of NCAA Super Regional competition. The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced during the 2015 College World Series.
Texas hurler J. Brent Cox won the inaugural Stopper of the Year Award in 2005, with Don Czyz of Kansas claiming the honor in 2006 and Luke Prihoda of Sam Houston State winning it in 2007. Georgia's Joshua Fields topped the field in 2008, San Diego State's Addison Reed grabbed the honor in 2009 and Texas' Chance Ruffin earned the honor in 2010. The Longhorns' Corey Knebel won in 2011 with Southeastern Louisiana's Stefan Lopez picking up the honor in 2012. UCLA's Berg was crowned the winner in 2013, while Louisville's Nick Burdi took home the 2014 honor.
