ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – University of New Mexico junior reliever Victor Sanchez has been named to the Stopper of the Year Watch List the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association announced Tuesday. The six-foot-two right hander and Albuquerque native is one of 37 players named to the inital list, which is given to the top relief pitcher in Division I.
“That’s not shocking,” UNM head coach Ray Birmingham said. “He’s the best closer in the nation.”
Sanchez is coming off a career year in which he posted the second most saves in a single season in school history. He finished the season with a 4-1 recod and a 2.33 ERA that hovered closer to the 1.00 mark for most of the year. He struck out 33 batters against just 15 walks in 38.2 innings and recorded 10 saves. He held opponents to a .175 batting average against in 22 appearances, and was equally dominant against hitters on both sides of the plate. He held lefties to a .192 average and held righties to a miniscule .165 mark.
He’s one of just two players from the Mountain West named to the list. The Lobos open their season this weekend in Surprise, Ariz., at the Surprise College Baseball Classic. UNM will face Michigan State Friday at 5 p.m. and Northwestern Saturday night at 5. The Lobos finish the tournament with games against Oregon State Sunday and Monday. UNM’s home schedule begins Friday, Feb. 27 against San Francisco in the Lobo Invite, and Lobo Pride Passes are on sale now.