WRAL Sports Fan

North Carolina

Morin named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year watch list

Jan 31, 2012

Wichita, Kan. — Junior right-handed pitcher Michael Morin was named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Watch List on Tuesday. Morin is one of 45 named to the list after making 32 appearances a year ago for the Tar Heels and picking up 10 saves to lead the team.

The NCBWA Stopper of the Year award is given annually to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.

Morin was 4-2 in his sophomore campaign as he threw 64 innings and struck out 66 batters. The Leawood, Kan., native became the first Tar Heel since Andrew Carignan in 2007 to record at least 10 saves in a season. Carignan set the single season school mark with 18 saves in 2007.

Morin made the move to the bullpen after making six starts to open the year and never looked back. Morin picked up a pair of saves in the first series win at Florida State in school history. Over his final nine appearances Morin allowed one earned run over 11.2 innings (0.70) ERA to close the year.

The initial 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 Wednesday, June 6, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional competition.

The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner and this year's recipient will be announced at the 2012 College World Series.