IRVINE, Calif. - Boston College junior RHP Kevin Moran has been named to the initial watch list for the sixth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in the nation.

Moran, a product of Yarmouthport, Mass., made 26 appearances out of the bullpen in 2009 and emerged as the go-to reliever for BC. The fiery righty finished with a 5-2 record and a 2.75 ERA in 52.1 innings of work. He allowed 22 runs (16 earned) on 51 hits and struck out 37 while walking 26 batters.

Nominations for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award were made by baseball sports information/media relation contacts. The initial list will be updated with a mid-season release the week of April 19, including the national saves leaders. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released Wednesday, June 2, prior to start of NCAA regional tournament competition.

The NCBWA's All-America Committee then will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced on the opening day of the College World Series on June 19.

The Eagles open their 2010 campaign on Friday, February 19 with a three-game series at Tulane.