ANGELO STATE TOPS NCBWA DIVISION II POLL

DALLAS (NCBWA) Undefeated Angelo State raked in all 19 first place votes to retain its perch atop the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Division II Top 25 on Wednesday.


The Rams have averaged an NCAA-best 12.9 runs per game in tacking up wins in their first 14 outings of the 2020 season, and also lead the nation with a .395 team batting average as well. Reigning NCBWA Player of the Year Josh Elvir has complemented a .522 batting average with an NCAA-best nine home runs, 27 RBI and 31 runs scored. Junior right-hander Trent Baker is 4-0 with a 3.09 ERA in 23-1/3 innings of work.


Seven new teams are in this week's poll, including four squads (Bellarmine, Catawba, Delta State, West Texas A&M) that re-entered the ranking after a one-week hiatus. Embry-Riddle (Fla.) and UT Tyler are in the NCBWA Division II Top 25 for the first time in their respective program's history. East Stroudsburg is included in the poll for the first time since the 2016 campaign (April 26).


Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists of the sport. Members receive a membership card, directory, newsletter updates and official votes in the Dick Howser Trophy, Regional Players of the Year and NCBWA All-America voting. The NCBWA also sponsors Division I Players of the Week, the Stopper of the Year, and publication and writing contests.