STARKVILLE, Miss. - Louisiana sophomore closer Justin Robichaux (Crowley, La.) is one of 45 relief pitchers named to the midseason watch list for the fourth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the association announced Thursday. The award is given to the top relief pitcher in Division I college baseball.

Robichaux, who has been sidelined for more than two weeks because of injury, leads the Ragin' Cajuns staff with seven saves along with a 3.00 earned run average in 13 appearances. Robichaux's seven saves are the second-highest single-season total in program history. The crafty sophomore needs two more to supplant Aaron Welbourne (8) as the single-season record holder.

The midseason watch list includes four players with double-figure saves totals through April 15, paced by NCAA saves leader Tyler Conn of Southern Miss. The list features teams representing 19 conferences as well as one independent team. The Atlantic Coast Conference leads with six pitchers on the honor squad, while the Sun Belt Conference has four.

The watch list was compiled from nominations submitted by sports information contacts and conference media relations offices nationwide. At the conclusion of regular season competition, the NCAA Division I saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the finalists for the award and announced May 28 prior to the start of NCAA regional competition. The winner of the 2008 Stopper of the Year Award will be selected by the NCBWA's All-America Committee and announced Wednesday, June 4, two days before NCAA Super Regional play begins.

RaginCajuns.com

Chris Yandle