Thursday, February 14, 2013

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MACON, Ga. - The 2013 Atlantic Sun Baseball season begins on Friday, Feb. 15th and as a preview, the A-Sun is taking a look at the top returning pitchers in the conference with the most wins from last year.

The countdown concludes with the 2012 A-Sun Pitcher of the Year, FGCU's Ricky Knapp and Northern Kentucky's work-horse Brett Loeding.

Knapp, who was also named the 2013 A-Sun Preseason Pitcher of the Year, led the A-Sun in wins last season with nine which included three complete-game shutouts. Loeding hurled 108 innings last season in 40 appearances, while striking out 95 batters.

Ricky Knapp, FGCU
Year: Junior
Position: RHP
2012 Record: 9-4
2012 ERA: 2.34
2012 Innings Pitched: 111.1
2012 Opposing Batting Average: .246
2012 Total Strikeouts: 61
Career Record: 14-5
Career Strikeouts: 112
Career High Single-Game Strikeouts: 8 vs. ETSU & Jacksonville (3/23/2012 & 4/13/2012)

Brett Loeding, Northern Kentucky
Year: Senior
Position: RHP
2012 Record: 7-4
2012 ERA: 1.75
2012 Innings Pitched: 108.0
2012 Opposing Batting Average: .215
2012 Total Strikeouts: 95
NKU Career Record: Same
NKU Career Strikeouts: Same
Career High Single-Game Strikeouts: 6 vs. Indianapolis (4/24/2012)

FGCU begins the 2013 season with two contests against St. John's and one vs. Notre Dame, while Northern Kentucky travels to Lamar for a four-game set in its first Division I season.

Fans can also follow along on Twitter by using the official hashtag of A-Sun Baseball; #ASunBSB.

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