NC State’s Joe O’Donnell Named to Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List

RALEIGH, N.C. – Following a stellar 2017 campaign, NC State baseball’s Joe O’Donnell has been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Preseason Watch List, announced Monday by the organization.

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

O’Donnell made 25 appearances on the mound last season, all in relief, to compile a perfect 4-0 record. His team-high seven saves tied for the sixth most by any pitcher in the ACC last season.

The Wilmington, N.C., native struck out 59 batters in just 48.1 innings pitched to average more than a strikeout per inning. O’Donnell only allowed eight extra-base hits and held opposing batters to a .211 batting average.

O’Donnell was lights out for the Wolfpack down the stretch, as he did not allow a run in 12.1 innings pitched from late April to mid-May to nail down six saves during that stretch.

The redshirt senior is one of seven players from the ACC represented on the list, which is the second most from any conference.

O’Donnell is the first NC State player to be named to the watch list since 2012 when Chris Overman was recognized by the NCBWA.

NC State opens the 2018 season at home on Feb. 16 against Seton Hall with first pitch slated for 3 p.m.

2018 NC State baseball season tickets are now on sale and can be found on GoPack.com/Pack9Tickets.