ASCHENBECK WINS NCBWA STOPPER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Story by Kyle Stafford, Texas A&M Athletics Communications

Texas A&M left-hander Evan Aschenbeck has been named the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year, as announced by the organization Friday morning.

Aschenbeck is the first player in program history and the fourth from the SEC to receive the honor, which is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball. 

The left-hander has been outstanding in 28 relief appearances this season for the Aggies, boasting a 6-1 record and an SEC-best nine saves. Entering the College World Series, Aschenbeck leads the nation in ERA (1.66) and WHIP (0.80). The lefty also ranks fourth nationally in strikeout-to-walk ratio (9.0) and walks allowed per nine (0.80).

The Brenham, Texas, native is limiting opponents to a .185 batting average and has totaled 72 strikeouts to only eight walks in 65 innings of work. Of his 28 appearances, 24 have been for multiple innings and 18 have been scoreless outings.

In the postseason, Aschenbeck has been instrumental in helping the Maroon & White to the College World Series for the eighth time in program history. The left-hander has allowed only one run on two hits over 9.1 innings of work during Texas A&M's run to Omaha and recorded back-to-back saves in the Super Regional against Oregon. The senior has also punched out eight batters in his three postseason appearances.Aschenbeck and the Aggies return to action Saturday night for their opening game of the College World Series against Florida at 6 p.m.