2016 National Pitcher of the Year Award Watch List (May 11th)

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LUBBOCK, Texas — Miniscule earned-run averages and double-digit wins highlight the statistics of players on the newest watch list for the 2016 National Pitcher of the Year Award, presented by the National College Baseball Hall of Fame.

The award, sponsored by Diamond, will be presented on July 2 in Lubbock as part of the annual Night of Champions event.

St. John’s right-hander Thomas Hackimer continues to lead the watch list candidates with a 0.21 ERA in 43 1/3 innings. He also has eight saves and 59 strikeouts.

Michael Rucker, a junior right-hander at BYU, and Ryan Foster, a senior right-hander at UNC Wilmington, lead the watch list in wins with 10 each. Rucker is 10-0 with a 2.58 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 80 1/3 innings. Foster is 10-1 with a 2.49 ERA with 49 strikeouts in 83 innings pitched.

“This process is already becoming difficult,” said Brian Melakian, Pitcher of the Year Award co-chair. “With so many pitchers having great seasons, it was difficult to get the list down this far. We are already splitting hairs. It’s obvious that the semi-finalists and finalists will be both deserving and the best of the best.”

Southeast Missouri State’s Joey Lucchesi, a senior left-hander, leads the country in strikeouts with 115. In 80 2/3 innings, Lucchesi is 8-4 with a 2.01 ERA.

Navy’s Luke Gillingham leads the watch list and the country in complete games with eight. In 11 starts this season, the senior left-hander is 8-2 with a 1.32 ERA and 80 strikeouts through 75 innings.

“It’s amazing to see how consistent these young men have been through this point in the season,” said Raymond Richardson, Pitcher of the Year Award co-chair. “Some of the numbers they have put up are already very impressive, and there’s still time left in the season. It will be fun to watch how the rest of the season plays out.”

For more information on the Night of Champions event, visit www.collegebaseballhall.org.

2016 PITCHER OF THE YEAR AWARD WATCH LIST