PEMBROKE – Having already collected first team all-Peach Belt Conference laurels, as well as a pair of wins in the 2011 PBC Tournament, Braxton Lewis was named Monday as one of 47 semifinalists for the Tino Martinez Award which is given annually to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division II college baseball.

Lewis, a Seven Springs native, has pitched 40 innings for the Braves this season, and has yet to allow an earned or unearned run in 23 relief appearances. En route to a 6-0 record, a 0.00 ERA, eight saves and a pair of combined shutouts, the junior right-hander has struck out 42 and walked just nine while holding opponents to a miniscule .135 batting average. He has walked just three batters over his last 32 innings of work and has yielded just seven hits in nine appearances (18.2 innings) against conference foes this season. Lewis has also retired the sides in order in 16 innings from the hill in 2011.

A Barton transfer, Lewis joined three other PBC players on the list, including PBC Pitcher of the Year Don Sandifer and PBC Co-Players of the Year Buddy Sosnoskie (Francis Marion) and Shawn Ward (Georgia College). Mount Olive standouts Michael Knox and Carter Capps, as well as Wingate's Dodson McPherson, adorn the distinguished listing as well.

The initial watch list released on February 9 included seniors Kenny Mickens and Brian Willis, but was amended in mid-April to include Lewis and outfielder Keith Whitman. Finalists for the award are scheduled to be announced on May 19. After the finalists are named, fans will, once again, be invited to vote online at tinoaward.com to help determine the winner.

The winner of the award, which is named after former Tampa Spartan , Olympian and Major League Baseball All-Star Tino Martinez, will be announced following the conclusion of the NCAA Division II Baseball Championships which will be held in Cary, May 28-June 4.

Complete Listing Of All 47 Semifinalists