WKU junior catcher Matt Phipps has been named to the Buster Posey Award Watch List.

Previously known as the Johnny Bench Award, the award honors the top catcher in college baseball. The award is administered by the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission and presented after the College World Series.

Phipps is producing a .301/.380/.419 line with eight extra-base hits, 12 runs scored and 13 RBIs. He has posted seven multi-hit games, ranks third on the team with 10 walks and is tied for the lead with three stolen bases with Ray Zuberer.  Since March 16, the backstop has thrown out 7-of-15 attempted base stealers and is currently on a 16-game errorless streak.

Phipps is 1-of-5 catchers from Conference USA to make the initial watch list, which has 79 players on it. Candidates will be added until May 6, and the semifinalists will be announced May 17.

Previous semifinalists from WKU include Hunter Wood in 2017, Matt Rice in 2011 and 2010 and Jordan Newton in 2006.

Baseball reporter Kaden Gaylord can be reached at 270-745-6291 and [email protected] Follow him on Twitter at @_KLG3.