NCBWA All-America Teams

RICHMOND, Ky. – Eastern Kentucky closer Will Brian picked up his second All-America honor on Wednesday when the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) chose the Brandenburg, Kentucky native to its NCAA Division I All-America First Team.
 
Brian was the only player from the ASUN Conference to earn first team NCBWA All-America status.
 
Brian was chosen as a third team All-American by Collegiate Baseball Newspaper earlier this month.  He is a finalist for the 17th NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award and was also chosen first team all-region by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA).  Brian went 3-0 in 2022 with a 1.83 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 39 and one-third innings pitched.  He allowed only eight runs and 16 hits all season.
 
The redshirt junior broke EKU's single season saves record of 12.  He was first in the ASUN in appearances (31) and third in strikeouts among pitchers who did not start a game.  Brian made five appearances against RPI top-100 teams, including No. 1 Tennessee, without allowing a hit or a run and striking out nine in five and one-thirds innings.  He was the first team ASUN All-Conference pick at relief pitcher.
 
Despite being picked to place eighth overall in the ASUN Preseason Poll, Eastern Kentucky finished the season 38-20, champions of the ASUN West Division and tied for the best conference record in the ASUN.  It's the most wins for an EKU team since the 1990 squad won 42 games.  The Colonels won all three of their games in pool play to earn a spot in the ASUN Tournament semifinals.