Arizona Baseball Celebrates All-American Pitching Duo
TUCSON, Ariz. — Arizona Baseball has achieved a significant milestone with standout pitchers Tony Pluta and Smith Bailey earning All-America accolades from Baseball America. Pluta, a right-handed reliever, received Second Team All-American honors, while freshman Bailey was honored as a Second Team Freshman All-American. This recognition marks Pluta’s fourth All-America nod and Bailey’s second, highlighting their exceptional performances this season.
Bailey, a true freshman from Arizona, played a crucial role in the Wildcats’ journey to the Men’s College World Series. He made 18 starts, achieving a 3.94 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 89 innings. Notably, he recorded a team-best postseason ERA of 2.31, establishing himself as a key contributor and tying the record for the most starts by a freshman in program history.
On the other hand, Pluta’s dominance in relief pitching has been historic. He set a single-season program record with 14 saves, led the Big 12 Conference, and achieved an impressive 1.46 ERA. Pluta also earned accolades from multiple organizations, underscoring his status as one of the finest pitchers in Arizona’s history. Their recognition cements Arizona’s legacy in collegiate baseball as a powerhouse for developing top-tier talent.
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