Jan. 29, 2014
ST. LOUIS, Mo.- Illinois State starter Dan Savas, infielder Brock Stewart and closer Jeremy Rhoades were named preseason All-Missouri Valley Conference selections, as voted on by Valley coaches and released by the MVC Wednesday. Additionally, the Redbirds were selected to finish third overall in the conference.
"I think the Valley has a chance to be very strong this year," head coach Mark Kingston said. "The addition of Dallas Baptist strengthens an already deep league. There are many teams that will be in the running, and as always, our goal is to be in a position to win it."
The Redbirds received 46 total points, third behind Wichita State (56 points) and Missouri State (55 points), and ahead of Dallas Baptist (44 points), Evansville (25 points), Indiana State (23 points) and Bradley (11 points). Illinois State opens the 2014 season Feb. 14 at Murray State and begins Valley play March 21 at Duffy Bass Field with game one of a three-game series versus Bradley.
Savas, who was named a Louisville Slugger preseason All-American earlier this month, made 15 starts for Illinois State in 2013, going 10-0 with a 1.79 ERA. The Rosemont, Ill., native tied for the team-lead with Missouri Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year, and current Milwaukee Brewers prospect, Chris Razo, with five complete games. In 100.1 innings pitched, Savas struck out 98 batters and limited opponents to a .180 batting average-against, earning first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors.
Stewart appeared in 33 games for Illinois State in 2013, splitting time between the outfield, infield and designated hitter. He batted .330/.402./.496 with three home runs, 34 RBI and 10 doubles.
Rhoades went 2-1 with a 1.54 ERA and a team-best six saves for Illinois State last spring. The Wheaton, Ill., product made 27 appearances, all in relief, striking out 37 batters in 41.0 innings of work. Rhoades earned first-team All-MVC honors last year.
Illinois State enters the 2014 season following its best regular season in school history. The 2013 Redbirds won the Missouri Valley Conference title outright for the first time in school history, won a program-record 39 games and had a MVC record eight first-team all-Valley selections. View the complete 2014 schedule by clicking here.
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