Thomas/Smith All-East

LAWRENCEVILLE-A pair of Rider University pitchers, senior Mike Thomas and sophomore Tyler Smith, were named First Team All-East Region.

Thomas, a recent draft pick by the Los Angeles Dodgers, was a First Team All-NJ and First Team All-Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference selection in 2011 after compiling a 9-3 record and a 2.34 earned run average.

Smith, the MAAC and New Jersey Relief Pitcher of the Year, is tenth in the nation in saves with a Rider-record 15 and possessed a 2.58 earned run average. Opponents batted just .190 against him this year.

"Mike and Tyler were the corner stone of our pitching staff this year," said Rider head coach Barry Davis. "They were consistent and productive from day one.  They are both hard workers with great character that set the example on and off the field. This honor is well deserved!"

Thomas (Forest Hill, MD/Fallston) graduated magna cum laude with Bronc records for victories and strikeouts. He was 29-12 as a Bronc with 286 strikeouts. Over his last two seasons the 6'2", 180 pound lefty was 18-6 with a 190 strikeouts in 200 innings pitched.

Smith (Westmont, N.J. /Haddon Township) has compiled 24 saves in just two seasons and owns a 9-7 record with a 3.03 career earned run average with 82 strikeouts in 89 innings.

Thomas and Smith were also both MAAC All-Academic team members. Thomas was an All-East selection as a junior as well.

The pair led Rider to a 33-16 regular season record and a second place finish in the MAAC with a 16-7 conference record.

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