LSU junior right-hander Joe Broussard has been the Tigers’ most reliable reliever thus far in 2014, and his efforts were rewarded by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association when he was named to the 10th annual Stopper of the Year watch list on Thursday.
Broussard, who is 1-0 with a 0.40 ERA and eight saves in 22 appearances, ranks fourth in the Southeastern Conference in saves and has allowed only one earned run this season.
The Gretna, La., native missed all of the 2013 campaign after suffering an ulnar collateral tear while pitching in the Cape Cod League in 2012, and he received a medical redshirt last season.
Broussard has allowed only 10 hits in 22 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 21 batters while walking eight. He has held opposing hitters to a .133 batting average.
The watch list names 50 of the top relief pitchers in the nation, and the SEC leads with seven players represented.
The NCBWA selects the finalists at the end of the season prior to the NCAA Super Regional Tournament, and the Division I national saves leader, plus four other relievers, are chosen. The winner will be announced during the 2014 College World Series in Omaha, Neb.