Jackson On Stopper Of The Year Watch List
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – An All-American by three different media outlets this preseason, Arkansas junior right-hander Zach Jackson has been named to the initial Watch List for the 12th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball.
Jackson was tabbed a preseason first team All-American by the NCBWA last week after finishing his sophomore campaign with a 5-1 record, nine saves, a 2.10 ERA and 89 strikeouts in 60 inning of work. The Berryhill, Okla. product has also been recognized by Louisville Slugger and Perfect Game as a preseason All-American.
Six of Jackson’s nine saves in 2014 came in SEC action, while the other three came in NCAA postseason play, including back-to-back games against Oklahoma State and St. John’s en route to earning a spot on the NCAA Stillwater Regional All-Tournament team.
Jackson was especially dominant down the stretch, allowing just two earned runs over his final 12 outings and 20.2 innings of the year. His most memorable outing came in game three of the NCAA Fayetteville Super Regional when he took the mound in the sixth inning against Missouri State. He retired 11 straight hitters, including six strikeouts, helping the Razorbacks capture a 3-2 victory and the program’s eighth bid to the College World Series.
Over his two seasons, Jackson has 133 strikeouts in 102.2 innings of work with seven wins and 11 saves. Jackson has at least one strikeout in 41 of his 46 career relief appearances, including multiple punch outs in 30 of those outings.
The #OmaHogs will begin their 2016 season on Feb. 19 at Baum Stadium against Central Michigan. Arkansas will open with 16 of its first 19 games at Baum Stadium. Season tickets, mini-plans and single-game tickets are available at ArkansasRazorbacks.com or by calling the Razorback Ticket Office at 1-800-982-HOGS.
