Illinois Baseball: Tyler Jay named to Golden Spikes award watch list

Illinois' junior Tyler Jay was selected to the midseason USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award watch list, USA Baseball announced Thursday. The Illini closer is among 60 players on the list for the award given to the top amateur baseball player in the nation. He was also on the preseason watch list for the award.

Jay ranks third in the nation with a 0.79 ERA and is tied for the team-lead with a 4-1 record. He also has eight saves as the Illini closer.

Jay has pitched 17 of 18 scoreless appearances, which have included 39 strikeouts and just three walks. He has limited his opponents to 18 hits in 34 total innings.

This year marks the 38th year the award has been presented. USA Baseball will announced the semifinalists for the 2015 Golden Spikes Award on May 22.

Fan voting will once again be a part of the Golden Spikes Award in 2015. Friday, May 22, marks the day when amateur baseball fans across the country will be able to vote for their favorite semifinalists at GoldenSpikesAward. com.

USA Baseball will announce the finalists on June 2. The 2015 Golden Spikes Award winner will be named Tuesday, June 23, at a presentation in Los Angeles.

2015 Golden Spikes Award Watch List

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