Wise on Johnny Bench Award watch list

FAYETTEVILLE – Junior catcher Jake Wise has been named to the initial watch list for the Johnny Bench Award presented by BaseballSavings.com, as announced on Monday by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission.

Wise is one of 48 catches on the initial watch list for the award, which goes to the top division one collegiate catcher. The watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced on May 16. The three finalists will be revealed on June 4 with the winner being announced at the 15th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 27.

A native of Houston, Texas, Wise has played in all 16 games this season, with 15 starts, and has a .231 batting average with a home run and 10 RBI, which ranks tied for second on the team. Wise has three multi-RBI games on the season and a pair of multi-hit performances. Defensively, Wise has not made an error on the season in 120 chances. For his career, Wise has not committed an error in 623 chances.

Wise has played in 97 games, including 75 starts, as a Razorback and has a .228 career batting average with four home runs and 40 RBI.

The Arkansas baseball team returns to action this week with a two-game series vs. Alabama A&M on Tuesday and Wednesday. First pitch for Tuesday’s game is set for 6:35 p.m., while Wednesday’s game will begin at 3:05 p.m.