Miami's Encinosa Earns Freshman All-America Honor

June 9, 2010

TUSCON, Ariz. – University of Miami freshman right-hander E.J. Encinosa has been named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America selection, as announced by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper on Wednesday.

Encinosa boasts the second-lowest ERA (2.20) on Miami’s staff among pitchers who have tossed at least 20 innings. In 29 appearances and 49 innings of work this year, Encinosa (1-1) has struck out 61 batters and allowed just five extra-base hits. His opponents are hitting just .186 against him in his first year in Coral Gables.

A native of Miami and graduate of Coral Park High School, Encinosa was drafted in the 23rd round by the Minnesota Twins in the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

He is one of 12 freshmen relievers nationally named to the team. Collegiate Baseball’s Freshman Pitcher of The Year is TCU left-hander Matt Purke (13-0, 3.40 ERA, 122 strikeouts, 27 walks) while its Freshman Player of The Year is St. John’s outfielder Jeremy Baltz (St. John’s, .396, 24 HR, 16 2B, 85 RBI).

Miami’s last Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America selection came in 2008, when Chris Hernandez was named the publication’s Freshman Pitcher of the Year after going 11-0 with a 2.72 ERA in his first collegiate season.

The Hurricanes will open NCAA Gainesville Super Regional play against Florida on Friday, June 11 at 7 p.m. at McKethan Stadium.