Kline Named Preseason First-Team All-American by NCBWA

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CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. – Virginia junior right-hander Branden Kline (Frederick, Md.) has been named a preseason first-team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Kline was selected as one of five starting pitchers on the first-team squad.

Kline posted a 4-0 record with a 1.88 earned run average last season in 32 appearances out of the bullpen. He tied the school and ACC single-season records with 18 saves, which also ranked fourth nationally last year. Kline is projected to move into the starting rotation in 2012.

In 43 innings in 2011, Kline allowed nine earned runs and 30 hits while striking out 56. Opposing batters hit just .207 against him.

Kline was a unanimous All-America selection in 2011, earning first-team honors from the NBCWA. He was a second-team pick on the ABCA All-America squad and a third-team selection by Louisville Slugger.

Kline also was a first-team All-ACC honoree and a finalist for the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Award. During the summer he competed with the USA Collegiate National Team.

Virginia begins the 2012 season Feb. 17 against Boston College at the Caravelle Resort Tournament in Myrtle Beach. UVa also will play host Coastal Carolina as well as James Madison in the tournament.