Texas closer Sam Cozart is the NCBWA Stopper of the Year

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Texas freshman closer Sam Cozart is the best reliever in the country.

Cozart was named the Stopper of the Year by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association on Friday, becoming the fourth Longhorn to win it and the second freshman in the award’s 21-year history. The other freshman to win it was former Longhorn Corey Knebel in 2011.

Going into play at the Men’s College World Series, Cozart racked up nine saves with a 6-0 record and 1.65 ERA in 22 appearances. He has struck out 71 batters with 12 walks in 49 innings.

Cozart joins J. Brent Cox, Chance Ruffin and Knebel as Longhorns to win the award. Cox won it in 2005, and Ruffin won in 2010. Texas has more Stopper of the Year award winners than any program.

Georgia catcher Daniel Jackson was named the Dick Howser trophy winner for national player of the year, and West Virginia’s Steve Sabins was named the Mike Martin National Coach of the Year. Cozart was also named the National Freshman Pitcher of the Year by the NCBWA.

Texas is on the ropes in Omaha at the Men’s College World Series after a 7-1 loss Saturday to Georgia. The Longhorns face Alabama at 1 p.m. Monday in an elimination game, and to make the championship series, Texas will have to win five games in four days.