Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Tyler Dray named to Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American Team
06/08/2011 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
June 8, 2011
By Jason Clay
SIUSalukis.com
TUCSON, Ariz. - Southern Illinois left-handed pitcher Tyler Dray was named Wednesday to the 2011 Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-American Baseball Team, as selected by Collegiate Baseball newspaper.
Dray, a relief pitcher, becomes the sixth Saluki honored by Louisville Slugger on its Freshman All-America team and the first since relief pitcher Bryant George and outfielder Aaron Roberts both were honored in 2007.
"We are excited for Tyler," interim head coach Ken Henderson said. "That is a great and well deserved honor. Due to injuries he was forced into the closers role, which is an extremely challenging and stressful role, especially for a true freshman. He couldn't have handled it any better, recording eight saves. He has a bright future ahead of him and again we are proud of his accomplishments."
The 6-5, 204-pound lefty led the Salukis with 22 appearances this season and his eight saves tied for the fourth most in the Missouri Valley Conference and were the second most by a freshman in SIU history. Only George had more saves by a Saluki freshman, posting 11 in 2007.
Dray finished the 2011 season with a 1-2 record and 3.41 ERA. He had 24 strikeouts against 12 walks in 29.0 innings pitched. Dray was 8-for-10 in save opportunities and he held opposing hitters to a .250 batting average against him.
