NC State’s O’Donnell Named to Midseason Watch List for Stopper of the Year Award

RALEIGH, N.C. – After starting the year on the preseason watch list, NC State baseball’s Joe O’Donnell has been named to the midseason watch list for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award.

The honor is given annually to the nation’s top relief pitcher, as O’Donnell is joined by 40 players on the list. He is one of just 12 to appear on the preseason and midseason watch list.

O’Donnell has compiled a 0.44 earned run average (ERA) in 16 appearances out of the bullpen. The Wilmington, N.C., native has struck out 26 batters in 20.1 innings and has only allowed one earned run this season.

He has been lights out in his last five outings with 12 strikeouts in 7.2 innings without yielding a run.

The Wolfpack’s redshirt senior is tied for third in the ACC with eight saves this season and his 15 career saves are tied for second in the conference.

O’Donnell has made 87 career appearances to tie for the program record along with Joey Devine, a student assistant coach with the program.

Finalists for the award will be announced on Wednesday, June 7 and the winner will be announced on Saturday, June 17.

NC State returns to action Wednesday evening when the Pack hosts Campbell at 6 p.m. at Doak Field at Dail Park.

(Image via GoPack)