Feb. 8, 2013

STANFORD, Calif. - Stanford junior RHP A.J. Vanegas was named to the initial watch list for the ninth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, as announced by the association Friday. The award is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.

Vanegas has appeared in 44 games over the last two seasons with a 5-0 career record and a 2.90 ERA over 105.2 innings.

Vanegas was named to the 2012 NCAA Stanford Regional All-Tournament team while logging five saves as a sophomore, four of which came in the final six weeks of the season.

The NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award watch list will be updated with a mid-season release the week of April 16, including 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 selected as finalists and released prior to start of NCAA Super Regional tournament competition.

From the list of finalists, the NCBWA's All-America Committee will select a winner. The ninth annual winner will be announced June 15 in Omaha, Neb.