University of Minnesota Athletics
Jess Named to NCBWA Watch List
2/15/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
NCBWA Release
University of Minnesota redshirt senior Jordan Jess was tabbed to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award Watch List, the association announced Monday.
The award is given annually to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball and was first awarded in 2005. Jess, a converted starter, has flourished in his new role in the bullpen. The Ripon, Wis. native made 22 appearances last season and maintained a 3.86 ERA to go along with a team-high three saves. Jess held opponents to a .255 batting average and touted a 2:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Jess was at the top of his game in Big Ten play in 2015. The southpaw held a 2.40 ERA, .167 opponent batting average and 16 strikeouts in 15 innings against league foes. The highlight of Jess' season came when he turned in seven straight appearances without allowing an earned run from April 4-April 25. For his efforts, he was named Minnesota's George Thomas Most Improved Player.
Jess and the Gophers open the 2016 slate this weekend when they travel to Surprise, Ariz. for a four-game set over a span of three days.
