2013 NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List


COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.  – University of South Alabama baseball senior Kyle Bartsch was named to the 2013 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Watch List, as announced by the organization Friday.

The left-hander recorded 10 saves in 25 apperances last year – the most by a Jaguar pitcher since 2008 – while striking out 39 batters in 38 innings pitched. He needs nine saves to become the program’s all-time saves leader.

Bartsch is one of four Sun Belt Conference pitchers named to the list, joining Florida International’s Michael Gomez, Western Kentucky’s Taylor Haydel and Troy’s Nate Hill. Among those from the SBC, only Gomez finished with more saves (13) than Bartsch last season. Hill and Bartsch are the only two student-athletes named to the list from the state of Alabama.

“Kyle (Bartsch) had a solid year last year,” head coach Mark Calvi said. “He is a competitor and hard worker, and we’re looking for even bigger things from him this season.”

South Alabama will open the 2013 season Fri., Feb. 15, at 6:30 p.m. when it hosts Stephen F. Austin in the first of a three-game set at Stanky Field.

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).