Zipko named semi-finalist for MVP in Division-Two

Adam Zipko

Millersville University reliever Adam Zipko, a Warwick grad, was named as a semifinalist for the 2014 Josh Willingham Award, which is presented annually to the Most Valuable Player in Division II.

Zipko was one of 41 players in Division II to be chosen as a semifinalist. The award named in the honor of former North Alabama All-American and Major League Baseball player Josh Willingham, is given to the individual who not only excels on the field, but in the dugout, clubhouse and practice field as well, leading his team to national championship caliber status.

It would be hard to argue a more valuable player than Zipko &tstr; especially in the postseason. Despite being a relief pitcher, Zipko still tied for the PSAC lead in victories with an unblemished 9-0 record. The right-hander also compiled nine saves and a 1.50 ERA in 42 innings pitched. Zipko averaged more than a strikeout per inning with 44, and opponents managed only a .203 batting average against him.

His performances in the PSAC Tournament and NCAA Atlantic Regional were legendary. Zipko had a hand in all five of the Marauders’ postseason wins, posting a 4-0 record and nailing down a save against Kutztown in the regional. He tossed 15.1 innings in six appearances, struck out 17 batters while not allowing a single run. Zipko did not allow a run over his final 10 appearances totaling 22.1 innings.

Zipko pitched two or more innings five of his six postseason appearances. In a span of a little more than 24 hours at the NCAA Atlantic Regional, Zipko was presented bases loaded with no outs three times, and all three times he kept the opponent scoreless and all three times Millersville went on to win the game.

While Millersville recorded 149 wins over the last four seasons, Zipko set a school record with 80 career appearances and finished second all-time in saves with 20. Zipko likely would have run away with the saves record had the Marauders not had All-PSAC East closers Zach Eckley and Tyler Horst in 2011 and 2012. He posted a career record of 13-4 with a 2.05 ERA in 127.1 innings pitched. Zipko earned All-PSAC East Second Team recognition this season and is a two-time All-Atlantic Region pick. He also landed on the 2014 Atlantic Regional All-Tournament Team.

The winner of the Josh Willingham Award will be named on Monday, June 2.