DALLAS -- The Mid-American Conference was represented by a trio of relievers on the NCBWA's 2025 Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List, as announced by the organization on Wednesday afternoon. Peyton Cariaco (Kent State), Garrett Harker (Ball State) and Connar Penrod (Bowling Green) were all named to the 56-person list. 

Cariaco has pitched to the tune of a 4.26 ERA across his 19 relief appearances. Cariaco is averaging just over a strikeout per inning en route to nine saves.

This season, Penrod has become one of the best closers in the nation as well as BGSU's program history. Penrod currently has 10 saves on the year, the first Falcon in program history with double-digit saves, breaking the program record for saves in a season. He is also one of just five pitchers in the nation with 10+ saves this year, joining Clemson's Lucas Mahlstedt (15), Alabama's Carson Ozmer (13), Sacramento State's Kade Brown (11) and New Mexico's Ty Cunningham (10). In addition to his save total, Penrod hasn't allowed a run in 14 of his 16 appearances this season, maintaining a 2.21 ERA over 20.1 innings pitched. As for career accolades, Penrod has worked his way up to fifth in program history for career saves with 11. 
 

The Stopper of the Year award is given out to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I Baseball. Cariaco is one of the 56 relievers from around the country to be selected to the midseason watch list. The Marietta Ga. Native is one of nine relievers to appear on the midseason watch list after appearing on the preseason watch list. The senior is one of the three representatives of the Mid-American conference including Bowling Green Connar Penrod and Ball State's Garrett Harker.

The NCBWA will announce the finalists on Wednesday, June 4, with the winner being named on Friday, June 13 at the 2025 College World Series.

The full Midseason Watch List can be found here.