Johnny Bench Award Watch List

WICHITA, Kan. – University of South Alabama baseball catcher Jared Barnes was named to the 2016 Johnny Bench Award Watch List presented by BaseballSavings.com, as announced Wednesday by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

Barnes is batting .316 with 10 doubles, one triple, six home runs, 27 RBI and 26 runs scored in 42 games played. In 20 Sun Belt Conference games, the Tallahassee, Fla., native is hitting .359 with four doubles, one triple, three home runs, 15 RBI and 17 runs scored. Barnes ranks sixth in the SBC in slugging percentage (.537), and shares the team lead and is tied for eighth in the conference in home runs. 

Barnes has recorded 11 multiple-hit and eight multi-RBI games this season, and carries a season-high six-game hitting streak – which also ties his career best – into Wednesday's contest with Jacksonville State.

With Barnes behind the plate in 42 of the Jaguars' 46 games thus far this season, the USA pitching staff has posted a league-best 3.27 ERA, ranks second in runs allowed (177) and earned runs allowed (150) and is third in the conference in opposing batting average (.235).

The Johnny Bench Award is presented annually to the nation's top catcher, and is voted on by Division I coaches. A selection committee will narrow down the list to semifinalists, which will be announced on May 18. Finalists will be announced June 6, with the award presentation scheduled for June 30 in Wichita.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/USAJaguarSports. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).