University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Shane Zeile Added to Johnny Bench Award Watch List
May 1, 2013
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Wichita, Kans. - UCLA sophomore catcher Shane Zeile has been named to the 2013 Johnny Bench Award watch list presented by BaseballSavings.com, as announced Friday by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.
The Johnny Bench Award honors the nation's premier collegiate catcher at the conclusion of each season. This year's award will be presented at the 15th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 27, 2013 in Wichita, Kans.
Zeile is hitting .242 on the year, but has swung the bat well in conference play, batting .299 with a team-leading 20 hits in Pac-12 play. Overall, he has logged 11 RBI, seven doubles and a .351 on-base percentage in 38 appearances thus far, while posting eight multi-hit games. At one point, Zeile had hit safely in 11 of 13 games from March 15 to April 9.
Behind the plate, Zeile has handled a pitching staff that ranks second in the conference in ERA. In addition, he has thrown out nine base runners on the year and has committed just three errors behind the dish all season.
The watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced May 16. The finalists will then be announced on June 4.
UCLA (28-13, 11-7 Pac-12) will open a three-game series at home against Utah (16-23, 5-16 Pac-12) on Friday night. Game time at Jackie Robinson Stadium will be at 6 p.m. The Bruins and Utes will continue their series on Saturday at 2 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.