Diamond Lions Earn Season Honors

Eleven University of Arkansas - Fort Smith Lions recently earned NJCAA Region II baseball honors for their performances during the recently-completed regular season.

Sophomore pitcher Colin Fuller and freshman designated hitter Justin Barnes were each named first team All-Region. Sophomore first baseman Clay Washington and freshmen pitchers Derek Vaughn and Trent Daniel were named second team All-Region.

Sophomore second baseman Jordan Sallis, freshman third baseman Cameron Young, sophomore outfielders Joey Winiecki, Drew Sullivan and Adam Robertson and sophomore pitcher Chase Huchingson were named honorable mention All-Region.

Fuller, who’s from Cabot, Ark., made 15 appearances and posted a 7-2 win-loss record with three saves. Fuller, who compiled a 5.27 ERA, led the team in wins, was tied for second in saves, was second in strikeouts (75) and was first in innings pitched (71 2/3).

Barnes, who’s from Yukon, Okla., played in 46 games, batted a team-high .399 and led the team in home runs (10) and RBIs (52). He was second in doubles (11) and tied for second in triples (3).

Washington, who’s from Little Rock, Ark., played in 55 games and batted .337. He was second on the team in home runs (9), third in doubles (10) and tied for first in triples (6). He also was third in steals (18).

He also was named NJCAA Division I Player of the Week.

Vaughn, who’s from Edmond, Okla., made 26 appearances, including two starts, and posted a 6-2 win-loss record with seven saves. Vaughn, who compiled a 2.91 ERA, led the team in saves, was second in wins and tied for third in strikeouts (55).

He also was named NJCAA Division I Pitcher of the Week.

Daniel, who’s from Bryant, Ark., made 13 appearances and posted a 6-2 win-loss record. Daniel, who compiled a 5.72 ERA, led the team in strikeouts (80), tied for second in wins and was third in innings pitched (61 1/3).

Sallis, who is from Muskogee, Okla., played in 44 games and batted .283. He led the team in stolen bases (36) and was tied for fourth in doubles (9). Young, who is from Fort Smith, played in 52 games, was fourth on the team in batting average (.355) and led the team in hit-by-pitches (13).

Winiecki, who’s from Bryant, Ark., only played in 25 games after his season was cut short because of injury but was third on the team in batting average (.366) and second in steals (19). Sullivan, who’s from Maumelle, Ark., played in 49 games, batted .342 and was second in home runs (7). Robertson, who’s from Searcy, Ark., played in 46 games, batted .353 and led the team in doubles (14).

Huchingson, who’s from Fayetteville, Ark., played double-duty for the Lions as left fielder and pitcher. Huchingson, who compiled a 2.84 ERA, made 12 appearances and posted a 5-1 win-loss record. He was tied for third on the team in wins (5), fourth in strikeouts (51) and fourth in innings pitched (50 2/3).

He played in 38 total games, was second in batting average (.371) and tied for first in triples (6).