April 19, 2006

Illinois right-handed pitcher Matt Whitmore (Evansville, Ind./Central/John A. Logan) has been named to the midseason watch list for the Stopper of the Year Award presented by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. The award, which honors the top relief pitcher in the nation, is in its second year of existence.

Whitmore earned recognition after converting his first six save opportunities this season and currently holding a 1-0 record with a team-best 1.33 ERA. He also was named Big Ten Pitcher of the Week on April 3 after earning three saves in three innings of action against Indiana State and Purdue.

At the end the regular season, the Division I leader in saves and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the award's finalists. These finalists will be released on Wednesday, May 31, just prior to the beginning of NCAA regional play.

From the list of finalists, the NCBWA's All-America Committee will select a winner. The 2nd annual winner will be announced on Wednesday, June 7, two days prior to the beginning of NCAA super regional action.