2015 Louisville Slugger Preseason All-Americans

TUCSON, Ariz. - Junior left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay was named a preseason Louisville Slugger second-team All-American, announced Collegiate Baseball Friday. The Lemont, Illinois, native is coming off a stellar sophomore season and impressive outing with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team (CNT) over the summer.

Jay proved to be one of the top relief pitchers in the country in his first year in the closer role, collecting second-team All-Mideast Region and All-Big Ten honors in 2014. The sophomore was a perfect 10-for-10 in save opportunities, which ranked fourth in the Big Ten and second in school history for saves in a season. He touted a 4-1 record with a 1.94 ERA while ranking second on the team in strikeouts (47) in 41.2 innings pitched. He did not allow a run in 17 of 23 appearances and limited opposing hitters to a .190 batting average.

Following the season, Jay earned a spot on the 24-man roster for the USA Baseball CNT and shined on the mound. He went 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA and a save while making the most appearances (15) on the pitching staff. He racked up 21 strikeouts with only six walks and held opposing batters to a .130 average.

The University of Illinois baseball team opens the 2015 season on Feb. 13 at the Lamar University Cardinal Classic.