College Baseball

Rider's Thomas All-East

On All-America Ballot

LAWRENCEVILLE-Rider University junior pitcher Mike Thomas was named to the 2010 ABCA/Rawlings All-East Region First Team and his name will now appear on the All-America ballot.

"Mike had a tremendous season," said Rider head coach Barry Davis.   "He carried us each weekend and gave us a chance to win every time out."

Thomas (Forest Hill, Md./Fallston), the Metro Atlantic  Athletic Conference Pitcher of the Year and the New Jersey Division I Pitcher of the Year, compiled a 9-3 record with an earned run average of 4.14.

Thomas set Rider single-season records for strikeouts (98) and innings pitched (104.1) this year. He led the MAAC in strikeouts and victories.

"His numbers stack up to many of the elite pitchers," Davis said. "We are proud of his accomplishments and that he is being recognized on the national level."

Thomas led Rider to a MAAC Championship this season by going 6-0 against MAAC teams.

The left-hander is now 20-9 in his three-year career at Rider, the fifth best career record ever at Rider.

Thomas is Rider's first First Team All-East selection since Jason Koehler in 1995. Koehler went on to earn All-America honors.

Rider catcher Sean Olson was a Second Team All-East selection in 2009, and relief pitcher Jamie Hayes was a Second Team All-East pick in 2008. Outfielder Scott Rich was a Second Team All-East selection in 2004.  Outfielder Carl Loadenthal was a Second Team All-East pick in 2003. Infielder Casey Long was a Second Team All-East selection in 2002.

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