Zbezinski Named AMCC Newcomer of the Year; Seven Earn All-AMCC Honors

ERIE, Pa. – Penn State Behrend baseball freshman pitcher Thomas Zbezinski (Gibsonia, PA/Pine Richland) was named the 2019 Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference (AMCC) Newcomer of the Year, while six others were named to the All-Conference Team, announced on Tuesday.

Freshman Joshua Wagner (South Park, PA/South Park) earned a spot on the first team for the Lions at first base, while Zbezinski and senior Phil Myers (DuBois, PA/DuBois Central Catholic) were named to the second team for pitching. Seniors Scott Sada (Saegertown, PA/Saegertown), Ian Taylor (Wexford, PA/Vincentian Academy) and John Brittner (Zelienople, PA/Seneca Valley) were also selected to the second team. Freshman Zack Bowen (Plum Borough, PA/Serra Catholic) rounded out the All-AMCC squad on third team.

Zbezinski was named Newcomer of the Year and to the second team. He tied for first in AMCC games with wins at 5-1 on the mound. He was also tied for first in games started, while ranking third in ERA (3.07) and is fifth in innings pitched (35.2). Overall, he is tied for first in wins at 7-2 and is sixth in strikeouts (49). Zbezinski has made 12 appearances while pitching 58.1 innings. The freshman struck out 15 batters in his second game of the season against Hood. 

Wagner picks up his first All-Conference nod on the first team. He currently ranks third in NCAA DIII statistics in doubles (23) and third in doubles per game (.56). He was first in the AMCC in RBIs (32), doubles (18), and total chances (153), while ranking third in hits (32) and at-bats (75). Overall, he continues to lead in RBIs (51) and is second in doubles (23). He also ranks sixth in at bats (154) and is seventh in total hits (53). Wagner has 12 multi-RBI games and 16 multi-hit games this season.

Myers, the 2019 Behrend Scholar Athlete of the Year, garners his second All-AMCC honors. He was named to the first team in 2017 and selected to the second team this season. Myers was tied for fifth in AMCC contests with three wins and is seventh in ERA (3.41). Overall, Myers is tied for first with seven wins, second in ERA (2.42), tied for third in complete games, fifth in innings pitched (63.2) and seventh in games started. He has struck out 32 batters and has yet to lose on the mound this season at 7-0.

Sada lands on the All-Conference team for a fourth straight time. He repeats as a second-team choice. Sada, the Behrend Male Athlete of the Year and Preseason All-American, continues to rank first in NCAA Division III statistics in doubles (24) and doubles per game (.60). The shortstop led the AMCC in at bats (78) and runs (35), while ranking second in hits (32), doubles (11), stolen bases (9). Overall, Sada is first doubles, runs, and stolen bases and is fourth in hits, at-bats and slugging percentage. This season, he had a 26-game hitting streak to go with 16 multiple-hit games and eight multiple-RBI games. Sada also broke the Division III record for career doubles and is chasing the Division I record.   

Taylor, a second-team selection in the outfield, finishes his career with his first All-AMCC honor. The senior has a perfect fielding percentage in right field. Taylor ranks fifth on the team in hits (41) and had 15 of his 19 RBIs come in conference play. He also added 26 runs, nine doubles, two triples and a home run this season.

Brittner also joins Taylor for his first All-Conference accolade on the second team in the designated hitter position.  Brittner was fourth in AMCC games with 24 runs and registered a .375 average to go with 24 hits, two doubles and 19 RBIs in conference play. Overall, Brittner ranks tied for sixth in doubles (13), and ninth in runs (39).

Bowen completes his newcomer campaign as a third-team choice at second base. He led the league in sacrifice flies and was fifth in triples. Overall, Bowen is third in triples (4) and eighth in sacrifice flies. He has tallied 39 hits, 29 runs, four triples, four doubles and 25 RBIs. Bowen had 38 assists and 32 putouts in AMCC games. He has 10 multiple-hit games and eight multiple RBI games this season.