Wood Named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award Preseason Watch List

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas pitcher Gage Wood has been named to the preseason watch list for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in college baseball.

As a true freshman in 2023, Wood emerged as the Razorbacks’ closer, going 2-0 with a 4.80 ERA, 42 strikeouts and a team-leading five saves in 30.0 innings of work. The Batesville, Ark., native limited opposing hitters to a meager .198 batting average during the season and earned a spot on the Freshman All-SEC Team at the year’s end.

All five of Wood’s saves came in SEC play, and all five of his saves were of the multi-inning variety, including three three-inning saves. He became the fourth Arkansas freshman under head coach Dave Van Horn to record five or more saves in a single season, joining RHP Brady Tygart (8, 2022), RHP Nolan Sanburn (8, 2011) and RHP DJ Baxendale (7, 2010).

Razorback pitcher Kevin Kopps won the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award during his legendary 2021 campaign. Kopps posted a 12-1 record with 11 saves, logging a school-record 0.90 ERA (min. 45.0 IP) and 131 strikeouts in 89.2 innings during his historic season, which included winning both the Golden Spikes Award and Dick Howser Trophy.

Third-ranked Arkansas opens the 2024 season with a four-game series against James Madison at Baum-Walker Stadium. First pitch between the Razorbacks and Duke on Opening Day is set for 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 16, on SEC Network+.

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