Mississippi State’s Tomas Valincius Named to National Pitcher of the Year Watch List

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State sophomore left-hander Tomas Valincius has been named to the College Baseball Hall of Fame’s watch list for the National Pitcher of the Year award, the organization announced Wednesday.

Valincius is among 142 pitchers from across the country on the list, which features players from 26 different conferences. The Lockport, Illinois, native has made four starts this season, compiling a 3-0 record with a 1.74 ERA, 26 strikeouts and six walks over 20 2/3 innings. Opponents are batting .227 against him, according to the school.

He follows in the footsteps of former Mississippi State pitchers Ethan Small, who won the award in 2019, and Chris Stratton, who was a semifinalist in 2012. The award recognizes the top pitcher in college baseball annually.

Other notable pitchers on the watch list include players from programs such as Florida, Arizona State, Vanderbilt, and UCLA. The list is designed to highlight players with outstanding performances early in the season as candidates for the national honor.

Mississippi State’s baseball team continues its season with Valincius contributing as a key part of its pitching staff, aiming for national recognition in postseason awards.

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