TUCSON, Ariz. – Southeastern Louisiana University pitcher
Jordan Hymel became the second Lion freshman in three years to earn national postseason honors when he was selected Wednesday to the 2010 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-America Team as chosen by Collegiate Baseball.
Hymel, who joins teammate and 2008 Freshman All-America
Cass Hargis as the only freshman All-Americans in school history, was one of three Southland Conference players on the team that included UTSA third baseman and Southland Conference Freshman of the Year Ryan Dalton along with outfielder Preston Beck of UT Arlington.
The Gramercy native and former Lutcher High product went 7-1 on the mound in 17 appearances with 11 starts. The southpaw, who helped Southeastern to a school-record 40 wins, finished fourth on the team in innings pitched (64.0) and was fifth in strikeouts.
“This is a tremendous honor for Jordan and he truly deserves it,” Southeastern head coach Jay Artigues said. “He came out of the bullpen early in the season before making the progression to midweek starter and eventually into the weekend rotation. He gave us some quality innings on the mound and we’re looking for better things from him in the future.”
Hymel earned a victory in his collegiate debut against Eastern Illinois on Feb. 20, pitching 3.2 innings of scoreless relief and helping the Lions to a come-from-behind 11-5 win. He earned wins in consecutive road starts against Southern, Louisiana-Lafayette and Jackson State and allowed two hits in six innings to earn a Southland Conference win at Lamar.
The freshman pitched a season-high seven innings, allowing four hits, in earning a win over Texas State, helping the Lions to a Southland Conference series victory over the eventual regular-season champions.