WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina State University

BSB: Rodon, Turner named NCBWA preseason All-America

Dec 13, 2012

Raleigh, N.C. — NC State's Carlos Rodon and Trea Turner captured spots on the NCBWA 2013 Preseason All-American team, released Wednesday.

Rodon landed on the first team following his undefeated freshman campaign. The Holly Springs, N.C. native finished with a 1.57 ERA, the fourth best in the nation and tops in the ACC over 114.2 innings. Rodon's 135 strikeouts finished one shy of Marcus Stroman for the conference lead, and earned him a share of third in the NCAA.

After becoming the first freshman in conference history named ACC Pitcher of the Year and ACC Freshman of the Year, Rodon completed another first by reaching the finals of the Golden Spikes Award.

This summer, Rodon pitched for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team. PerfectGame.org named Rodon the top prospect on the national team at the conclusion of the summer.

Turner managed a second team mention at third base after hitting .336 and leading the nation with 57 stolen bases in 2012. Along with fellow second teamer Mark Zagunis of Virginia Tech, Turner represents the highest rated position player in the ACC. Rodon was the only conference athlete selected to the first team.

With Rodon and Turner landing on the first and second teams, NC State joins New Mexico, Rice, Mississippi State, Missouri State, and UCLA as the only squads to garner multiple mentions on the top two teams.

The last time the Wolfpack boasted two preseason All-Americans came in 2006 when Andrew Brackman and Aaron Bates headlined Baseball America's list. The Pack entered that season No. 24 in the preseason rankings.

NC State hosts Appalachian State on February 15 to open the 2013 season.