2018 Round Up Part 1/2: Three Moose Named All-NECBL
SANFORD – With the conclusion of the 2018 New England Collegiate Baseball League season, comes season-end awards, including the development of the All-NECBL First and Second Teams.
The Sanford Mainers topped the charts this season with three players being named All-NECBL, including pitcher John Murphy (First Team), outfielder Johnny Rizer (Second Team), and second baseman Jake Alu (Second Team).
The Mainers joined Mystic, Newport and Ocean State to have three players named to this year’s All-NECBL selections.
Murphy, a right-hander that found success in the closing role for the Mainers, hails from the University of Maryland, and proved to be one of the rocks behind the Sanford bullpen this summer. He appeared out of the pen 14 times, tossing 15.2 innings, while compiling a 2.87 earned run average. He struck out 28 of the 66 batters he faced, walking only eight. Opponents hit just a measly .130 against Murphy.
For Rizer, the outfield remained protected by the Texas Christian University product, sitting on a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage through 65 chances. He was also an anchor in the Mainers lineup, finishing second on the team in hitting with a .305 batting average, leading the way with seven home runs, and 12 doubles, which was also good for a tied fifth in the league. His extra-base total (19) was also ranked fifth best in the NECBL.
Alu (Boston College) quickly became a staple in the Mainers lineup, providing both stellar defense and a crucial bat on offense. Alu ended the season with a team-best .327 average in 104 at-bats. His plate discipline also proved to be a strong suit for the Moose, striking out just 12 times all summer. Transitioning to his defense, Alu helped build the road block up the middle, committing just five errors through 76 chances.
Murphy, Rizer and Alu were also named to the Northern Division All-Star Team, with Rizer and Alu starting in their respective positions. They also helped lead the Mainers to a second-place finish in the Northern Division, as well as a Divisional Championship appearance before falling short to the soon-to-be NECBL champion Valley Blue Sox.
To see the full list of All-NECBL selections, visit necbl.com.
