LOS ANGELES – UCLA redshirt junior pitcher Tucker Forbes has been named to the preseason watch list for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball. Forbes is one of 70 players to be named to the initial watch list.

Last season, UCLA closer David Berg became the award’s first two-time recipient, claiming the honor in 2013 and 2015. Berg beat out four other finalists for the award, including Missouri State junior Bryan Young who is on this season’s preseason watch list.

Forbes appeared in 38 games last season, posting a 1-0 record with a 2.11 ERA over 38.1 innings. The Pebble Beach, Calif. native struck out 45 batters, posting team-high 10.57 strikeouts per nine innings. Joining with Berg and Grant Dyer at the backend of the bullpen, Forbes helped UCLA go 34-0 when leading after six innings, 35-0 when leading after seven innings and 37-0 when leading after eight innings.

The 2016 Stopper of the Year Watch List will be updated with a midseason release on Wednesday, April 27, 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 8, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional competition. The NCBWA’s All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year’s recipient to be announced at the 2016 College World Series.