May 23, 2013
Burke named semifinalist for Gregg Olson Award
Inaugural award presented to baseball breakout player of the year

OMAHA, Neb. - The semifinalists for the inaugural Gregg Olson Award, presented by Toolshed Sports, have been named and Virginia Tech starting pitcher Devin Burke is among the forty-six players that have made the list to honor college baseball's "Breakout Player of the Year".

The award is named after former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. Like Olson, these players have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.

Burke's numbers for the 2013 season so far, include a 9-3 record with a 3.49 ERA in 14 games (13 starts), 87.2 innings pitched and 44 strikeouts. He has tied for the most wins in a single season at the school since 2002 and is one of four pitchers to earn five wins in ACC play.

His prior two seasons combined, which included one season at Duke, was a 3-2 record with a 6.35 ERA in 23 games thrown (six starts), 51 innings pitched and 34 strikeouts. Last year, Burke made just one start in the ACC and this year, he's made a start in all 10 weekends.

Initial nominations for the award were made by sports information/media contacts and the semifinalists were determined by made by an independent panel. A list of finalists is scheduled to be announced on Monday, June 3rd in conjunction with the conclusion of NCAA Regional play. The winner of the 2013 Gregg Olson Award will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park from June 15-June 25/26. 2013

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

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