DALLAS – Auburn pitchers Blake Burkhalter and Carson Skipper have been named to the initial watch list for the 17th annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award.
It marks the fifth straight season an Auburn hurler has been named to the watch list, including the second straight for Skipper. Others to be named to the watch list include Calvin Coker (2018) and Cody Greenhill (2019, 2020).
The Auburn duo are two of nine from the Southeastern Conference recognized on the list. The Tigers are one of two league programs with multiple honorees.
Skipper made his season debut in seventh inning of Saturday's 2-1 win against No. 12 Texas Tech. The senior southpaw worked around a two-out walk and ended the scoreless frame with a strikeout.
A native of Trussville, Alabama, Skipper has made 44 career appearances in an Auburn uniform, including 36 in relief. Despite missing time with injury, he tied for the team lead with a pair of saves and struck out 37 while issuing nine walks in 29.2 innings a year ago.
Burkhalter took over for Skipper in the eighth inning of Saturday's win against the Red Raiders and earned the two-inning save, marking the first save of his career. The junior righty retired Texas Tech's three through eight hitters in order in just 16 pitches.
From Dothan, Alabama, Burkhalter has turned in a 1-0 record and 1.65 ERA in 22 career relief appearances. He posted a 1.71 ERA and struck out 30 batters in 21.0 innings last season.
Burkhalter, Skipper named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year watch list
