Garcia Named Stopper of the Year Candidate

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (NCBWA) — Miami Hurricanes freshman closer Bryan Garcia was among the 50 players named to the mid-season watch list for the 10th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball, the association announced Wednesday.

In 20 appearances this season, Garcia has recorded 11 saves – the second-most of any pitcher in the ACC. Garcia has a 1.65 ERA in 32.2 innings, with 36 strikeouts and an opposing batting average of .241.

The Miami, Fla., native, who attended nearby Christopher Columbus High School before joining the Hurricanes, has the third-most wins of any pitcher on staff (four), and seven of his 11 saves have required more than one inning of work. 

The NCBWA’s All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year’s recipient to be announced during the 2014 College World Series.

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.