Stanek of Razorbacks Baseball Named to Golden Spikes Watch List

Courtesy University of Arkansas Athletics Department

FAYETTEVILLE – Arkansas junior right-handed pitcher Ryne Stanek has been named to the preseason watch list for the Golden Spikes Award, as announced on Thursday by USA Baseball.

Stanek is one of 50 players to be included on the initial watch list for the award, which recognizes the top amateur baseball player in the country. The midseason watch list will be announced on May 2 with 30 semifinalists released on May 28. The three finalists will be revealed on June 4 with the winner of the award being announced on Friday, July 19, on the MLB Network. 

Stanek is on the watch list for the second straight year after also being included last year on the midseason watch list. A native of Overland Park, Kan., Stanek has developed into one of the top pitchers in college baseball. The right hander started 17 games as a sophomore and finished the season with an 8-4 record and a 2.82 ERA. He ranked tied for 10th in the SEC in ERA, 10th in opposing batting average (.229), tied for 10th in innings pitched (92.2), 12th in strikeouts (83) and tied for seventh in wins. Stanek, who has been named a preseason All-American by Baseball America, Perfect Game and Collegiate Baseball, saved some of his best performances for the postseason. In three postseason starts last season, Stanek compiled a 2-0 record with a 1.59 ERA. He threw eight scoreless innings in Arkansas’ victory over Rice in the Houston Regional and was named Most Outstanding Player of the regional. In the College World Series, Stanek allowed just one run on three hits over six innings in the Razorbacks’ victory over South Carolina.

Through his first two seasons as a Razorback, Stanek has a 12-6 record with a 3.27 ERA. In 156.2 innings of work, Stanek has struck out 124 batters and has held the opposition to a .222 batting average.

Arkansas opens the 2013 season on Friday when it hosts Western Illinois. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Season tickets for Arkansas’ 34-game home schedule are now on sale. Season tickets are $190 for adults and $140 for University of Arkansas staff, youth and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased by calling 1-800-982-HOGS (4647) or by visiting the online ticket center at ArkansasRazorbacks.com.