University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
David Berg Named to Final Golden Spikes Award Watch List
USA Baseball released its 30-player final Golden Spikes Award watch list on Thursday, continuing the organization’s journey to naming the top amateur baseball player in the country. UCLA pitcher David Berg, who was a Golden Spikes Award semifinalist in 2013, was named to the watch list.
Former UCLA pitcher Trevor Bauer is the school’s only winner of the Golden Spikes Award. Bauer claimed the honor in 2011 after going 13-2 with a 1.25 ERA over 16 starts. The Valencia, Calif. native led the nation in strikeouts (208) and complete games (10) that season.
The watch list will continue to be a “rolling” list until May 27 -- when the semifinalists for the award are announced -- ensuring that athletes can play themselves into consideration for the award.
Berg currently leads the Pac-12 conference, and ranks fourth in the nation, with a 0.79 ERA. Overall, Berg is 5-1 with 10 saves (3rd in the Pac-12) and 50 strikeouts in 45.1 innings this season (32 appearances). In Pac-12 Conference play, Berg has yet to allow a run, pitching 24.2 scoreless innings with 25 strikeouts, seven saves and a 3-0 record (15 appearances). Earlier this season, Berg broke the NCAA record for career appearances, surpassing David Teasley (Mercer University), with his 162nd career appearance. Additionally, the senior is seven saves away from tying the NCAA record for career saves, currently held by Blair Erickson (UC Irvine).