Alabama closer Thomas Burrows was selected as a third team All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), the organization announced on Wednesday. The All-America honor is the first of his career.

Burrows finished his third season with 12 saves in 2016, a career-high mark for the left-hander. He wrapped up his junior season with a lowly 0.95 ERA (3 ER/28.1 IP) and allowed only nine walks compared to 41 punchouts to average 13.02 strikeouts per nine innings. Hitters were able to manage only 19 hits off Burrows, as he held the opposition to a .179 average. Burrows managed a 2-1 record to go with his 12 saves in 13 chances across 21 total appearances. His numbers were limited, as Burrows missed nearly a month with an oblique strain in March, but the Florence, Ala., native still put together his best season as a member of the Crimson Tide.

The career saves leader at Alabama, Burrows closed out his career with 30 saves and a 7-6 record across 72 relief appearances. He maintained a 2.20 ERA (25 ER/102.1 IP) during his three seasons and held opposing hitters to a .210 average, allowing only 76 hits. The lefty also struck out 113 compared to 39 walks (2.9 K/BB) in his three years as the team’s primary closer. Burrows’ efforts led to him being drafted in the fourth round by the Seattle Mariners in this year’s MLB Draft.

Burrows is one of 67 student-athletes represented on the NCBWA’s 19th annual All-America teams. The three All-America squads are made up of nine conference players of the year, 11 conference pitchers of the year winners and eight first-round draft picks in the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft. Founded in 1962, the NCBWA is dedicated to the advancement of college baseball. Membership is open to writers, broadcasters and publicists for the sport.

More From Tide 100.9