Photo by: Karthik Kalvakuri | Louisville Athletics
Kirian Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List
February 19, 2021 | Baseball
The Louisville closer tied for the national lead in saves in 2020.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – On the eve of the 2021 season, University of Louisville baseball player Michael Kirian was named to the preseason watch list for the 16th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award.
Forty-five players were on the initial watch list for the award given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball.
Kirian was tied for the national lead in saves when the shortened 2020 season came to a close, slamming the door shut in all six games he pitched in. The left-hander allowed just three baserunners in 6.1 innings and didn't surrender a run.
Since the start of the 2019 season, Kirian has a 1.41 ERA in 38.1 innings with 53 strikeouts and just 10 walks.
Louisville has two previous winners of the Stopper of the Year award, which debuted in 2005. Nick Burdi was the 2014 recipient, while Lincoln Henzman took home the honor in 2017.
Kirian and the Cardinals open the season on Saturday with the first of three against Bellarmine. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Jim Patterson Stadium.
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Fans can follow Louisville baseball on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @LouisvilleBSB.
Forty-five players were on the initial watch list for the award given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball.
Kirian was tied for the national lead in saves when the shortened 2020 season came to a close, slamming the door shut in all six games he pitched in. The left-hander allowed just three baserunners in 6.1 innings and didn't surrender a run.
Since the start of the 2019 season, Kirian has a 1.41 ERA in 38.1 innings with 53 strikeouts and just 10 walks.
Louisville has two previous winners of the Stopper of the Year award, which debuted in 2005. Nick Burdi was the 2014 recipient, while Lincoln Henzman took home the honor in 2017.
Kirian and the Cardinals open the season on Saturday with the first of three against Bellarmine. First pitch is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Jim Patterson Stadium.
FOLLOW LOUISVILLE BASEBALL ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans can follow Louisville baseball on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at @LouisvilleBSB.
Players Mentioned
LHP
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