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Irvine, Calif. – Virginia Tech closer Ben Rowen was one of 45 players named to the midseason watch list for the sixth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball, as announced by the association Thursday.

Rowen, a senior from Ranchos Palos Verdes, Calif., is currently tied for the ACC lead in pitching appearances with 21. Through Virginia Tech’s first 35 games, the right-handed submariner has tossed 27 innings and leads the team with a 0.67 earned-run average. He has a record of 2-0 to go with four saves, and opponents are hitting just .190 against him. Rowen has allowed just 19 hits and five walks, while striking out 38. His four saves already equal his output from last year and tie for the most by a Hokie pitcher since 2004.

At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released Wednesday, June 2, prior to start of NCAA regional tournament competition. The NCBWA's All-America Committee then will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced on the opening day of the College World Series on June 19.

Texas hurler J. Brent Cox won the inaugural Stopper of the Year Award in 2005, with Don Czyz of Kansas claiming the honor in 2006, Luke Prihoda of Sam Houston State winning it in 2007, Georgia’s Joshua Fields topping the field in 2008 and San Diego State’s Addison Reed grabbing the honor last season.

The NCBWA, founded in 1962, presents the Dick Howser Trophy to the nation's top player. It also selects All-America Teams for all Divisions, a Division I Freshman All-American team, Division I and III Players of the Week, Division I District Players of the Year and Division III Players of the Year.

For updates on Virginia Tech baseball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_Baseball).