DALLAS — Santa Clara University sophomore right-handed pitcher Max Bayles was named Wednesday to the "Stopper of the Year" Award Watch List by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. 
 
Bayles is one of 76 players to be named on the watch list, and the only one from the West Coast Conference. The "Stopper of the Year" award is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball.

Bayles made an immediate impact for the Broncos as a freshman, earning a spot on the WCC All-Freshmen Team. He emerged as one of the Broncos' go-to relievers in his first year of college baseball, posting a 3.40 ERA over 42 1/3 innings pitched in 21 appearances. He struck out 50 batters last season while limiting opponents to a .205 batting average. His dominant performances out of the bullpen also earned him WCC Freshman of the Week honors twice.

Bayles and the Broncos will kick off their 2025 season on Friday, with a three game series against CSUN. Fans can purchase tickets and find all live coverage links for the series on SantaClaraBroncos.com.