Four Pac-12 baseball players named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year preseason watch list

WALNUT CREEK, Calif. — Four Pac-12 baseball players have been named to the initial National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year watch list, the NCBWA announced Tuesday. The list, which consists of 50 players, marks the organization’s first step toward identifying the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball. The Pac-12’s four representatives on the watch list are tied for the second most by any conference. 

Representing the Pac-12 on the watch list are the following student athletes (in alphabetical order): David Berg, Jr., UCLA; Ryan Burr, So., ASU; Garrett Cleavinger, So., ORE; Trevor Dunlap, Sr., WASH.

Berg, an NCBWA first team All-American after the 2013 season and a first team preseason All-American this year, was the recipient of the 2013 Stopper of the Year after leading the country in saves (24) last season, which was also a Pac-12 record. In 51 appearances during his sophomore campaign, Berg went 7-0 with a 0.92 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 78.0 innings of work.  

The initial list will be trimmed during the week of April 21 and will include the national saves leaders. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be announced as finalists on Wednesday, June 4, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional tournament competition.

From the list of finalists, the NCBWA's All-America Committee will select a winner, who will be announced in Omaha, Neb. on Saturday, June 14, the opening day of the College World Series.

For the complete 2014 Stopper of the Year watch list, visit www.ncbwa.com.