Freshman closer Ian Hamilton named All-American

From staff reports

Freshman closer Ian Hamilton is making a name for himself both in Pullman and across the nation. On Monday, Hamilton earned his second selection to a freshman All-America team, this time by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.

The NCBWA named Hamilton to its second team, and he is the only player in the Pac-12 to get the nod from the NCBWA.

Hamilton also earned a spot on the Louisville Slugger Collegiate Baseball All-America team last week.

The last time a Cougar athlete was honored as a freshman All-American was in 2009 when outfielder Derek Jones accomplished the feat. Jones was chosen for the Louisville Slugger Collegiate Baseball team.

During his first year at WSU, Hamilton became the closer and set a school record with 15 saves. That number put him at the top of the conference in saves and it also tied for the most in the nation by a freshman.

Hamilton totaled 28 appearances in 2014, finishing with a 2-2 record and a 2.70 ERA. He struck out 24 batters and walked 12 over 30 total innings.

The right-hander out of Vancouver, Wash. joined teammate Nick Tanielu on the All-Pac-12 Conference team this year as well.