IRVINE, Calif. --- Pitcher Sam Moore is on the list of 80 baseball players, who have been named to the 2014 Gregg Olson Award watch list.

The award is named after former Auburn Tiger star pitcher Gregg Olson, who became one of the top collegiate players in the nation after an initial season filled with only mixed success. Olson went on to become a two-time All American, first round draft pick, American League Rookie of the Year and MLB All Star. Like Olson, these players have elevated their game to an elite level and in many instances their team has mirrored their success as a direct result.  

Moore saw limited action for the Anteaters in his first two years, coming out of the bullpen in 16 appearances and logging a combined 14.2 innings. However, this year as the team's closer, Moore has risen to the national stage and currently leads the country with 23 saves. He is one save shy of tying the NCAA record with seven regular-season games remaining. He has already surpassed the UC Irvine single-season mark of 17 and erased the 19-year old Big West Conference record (20). Holding teams to a .180 batting average, the junior owns a 1.35 ERA and has struck out 38 in 40 innings.

Semifinalists are slated to be named, Friday, May 30^th at the start of NCAA Regional play and the finalists are scheduled to be announced on Friday, June 6th at the beginning of Super Regional action. The winner of the 2014 Gregg Olson Award, presented by Toolshed Sports, will be named in Omaha, Nebraska during the College World Series which is to be held this season at TD Ameritrade Park from June 15-June 25/26.