2010 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award Watch List

MOBILE, Ala. - University of South Alabama baseball left-hander Lance Baxter was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year midseason watch list Thursday, as announced by the association.

The award is given annually to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.

Baxter (5-0) leads the Sun Belt Conference in earned run average (1.88), and ranks 20th nationally. He has tossed three complete games in as many starts, all of which have been SBC contests, and is tied for second in complete games in the conference. The Robertsdale, Ala., native is tied for third in the SBC in saves (5), and has held opponents to a .245 batting average, which ranks eighth in the league.

"Lance has had an outstanding year," USA head coach Steve Kittrell said. "He's a real bulldog on the mound, whether it's in a starting or closing role. Our guys are extremely confident when he comes in late. It's a well-deserved honor. Lance is a greate competitor, and he is most-deserving in being named to this list."

Baxter has struck out 43 batters and issued just 16 walks in 52.2 innings pitched this season.

Forty-five players from around the nation were named to the watch list. Baxter and Western Kentucky right-hander Rye Davis are the only two SBC pitchers on the list.

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

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