Neuse on Golden Spikes Midseason Watch List

DURHAM, N.C. – University of Oklahoma baseball junior Sheldon Neuse (Fort Worth, Texas) has been named to the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List. The Golden Spikes Award is presented by USA Baseball for the top amateur player in the country. Neuse entered the season on the award's preseason watch list for the second season in a row.

A two-time unanimous All-Big 12 First Team selection, Neuse holds down the shortstop and three-hole positions in the Sooners lineup, while also serving as the team's closer. He ranks in the top-100 of five offensive categories in the nation and his slash line ranks top-four in the Big 12. Neuse is hitting .371 with a .475 on-base percentage and .652 slugging percentage.

Neuse, who was the Big 12 Freshman of the Year in 2014, has driven in 25 runs and scored three to go with nine doubles, five triples and six home runs, while adding a team-high nine stolen bases. On the mound, he has made a season-high 11 relief appearances. Neuse is 3-1 with four saves, a 1.59 earned run average and 17 strikeouts in 17 innings as opponents are hitting just .164 off him.

Oklahoma last had a player on the Golden Spikes Award Midseason Watch List in 2013. Right-hander Jonathan Gray and first baseman Matt Oberste were both named among 60 players on the list.

The group of players on the watch list will be narrowed down to a semifinalist list on June 1, finalists announced on June 13 and the Golden Spikes Award presented on June 30.