Lewis Named To Preseason All-Conference Squad

AUGUSTA, Ga. – With the first pitch of the season still more than a week away, the preseason laurels continued to flow in for the UNCP baseball team on Thursday as relief pitcher Braxton Lewis earned a spot on the Preseason All-Peach Belt Conference squad, the league office announced.

The Seven Springs native joined 12 other PBC student-athletes on the squad, including 2011 PBC Pitcher of the Year Don Sandifer and Co-Player of the Year Don Sandifer – both of Francis Marion. Nine different league schools were represented on the squad. Francis Marion joined Montevallo, Armstrong and Columbus State as the only schools to send multiple selections to the preseason listing.

Lewis, an all-American selection by three different organizations in 2011, allowed just two earned runs in 47 innings of relief work last season while recording a 7-1 record with a 0.38 ERA, nine saves and a pair of combined shutouts. The Seven Springs product struck out 51 batters over his 26 relief appearances and walked just six batters over his last 39 innings of work. He surrendered just 13 hits in as many appearances (23.0 innings) against conference foes and retired the sides in order in 18 innings from the hill.

UNCP will lift the lid on its 2012 campaign, Feb. 4-5, when it travels for a three-game weekend series at Anderson. The Braves will open up the home portion of the schedule, Feb. 7-8, with a two-day, two-game set against Chowan at Sammy Cox Field.

2012 Peach Belt Conference Baseball
Preseason All-Conference Team

1b - Heath Peterson, Montevallo
2b - Austin Dubberly, Montevallo
3b - Nate Fudala, Flagler
SS - Tanner Funk, Georgia College
C - John Roberts, Armstrong
OF - Kenny Bellavance, North Georgia
OF - Ryan Lewis, Columbus State
OF - Buddy Sosnoskie, Francis Marion
DH - Nick Aranas, USC Aiken
DH - Cameron Scott, Columbus State
DH - Drew Walker, Armstrong
SP - Don Sandifer, Francis Marion
RP - Braxton Lewis, UNC Pembroke