By Mike Lehman, TTU Sports Information Coordinator
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – For the second straight season Tennessee Tech's Seth Lucio has been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List.
In his second year as the Tech closer, the junior has already shattered the career record for saves, recording nine so far this season for a career total of 21. That mark sits nine ahead of any other Tech pitcher in history.
Lucio owns a 2.84 ERA in 2014 and leads the Golden Eagles with 20 appearances. In 25 and one third innings, the right hander has allowed just eight earned runs and 19 hits. He has struck out 30 batters and allowed just a .211 average on his way to a 2-1 record.
Fifty players from across the nation have been named to the list, all looking to become the ninth winner of the Stopper of the Year Award.
Nominations for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award were made by baseball sports information/media relations contacts. 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 Wednesday, June 4, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional tournament competition.
The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced during the 2014 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. Knebel won in 2011 with Southeastern Louisiana's Stefan Lopez picking up the honor in 2012. Berg of UCLA was crowned the winner in 2013.
The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation's top player. It also selects All-America Teams for all Divisions, a Division I Freshman All-American team, Division I and III Players of the Week, Division I District Players of the Year and Division III Players of the Year.
