Piché Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List

April 23, 2013

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – With a nation’s-best 0.47 ERA and eight saves,Kansas junior right-handed pitcher Jordan Piche’ was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers’ Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year midseason watch list Tuesday afternoon. Piché is one of 51 Division I relief pitchers up for the award, which is presented annually to the top reliever in college baseball.

Piché, a 6-foot-1 junior from Greeley, Colo., has been one of the top relief pitchers in the country this season. The junior college transfer is 5-1 with an 0.47 ERA and eight saves in 18 appearances out of the Jayhawks’ bullpen. Piché has allowed just five walks compared to 29 strikeouts in 38 innings. He has held opponents to just two earned runs and one extra base hit in his appearances.

The right-handed junior has been named Big 12 Newcomer of the Week twice (April 7 and April 14) this season after recording multiple scoreless appearances in KU’s series wins over Oklahoma State and Texas.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists on a list released June 5. The NCBWA’s All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year’s recipient to be announced during the College World Series.

Former Jayhawk closer Don Czyz won the award in 2006 after recording 19 saves and a 1.56 ERA in 37 relief appearances.

The Jayhawks (24-15) will face Baker University in a non-conference game on Wednesday night at Hoglund Ballpark. First pitch is scheduled for 6 p.m.

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