Rodon represents the first Golden Spikes finalist in Wolfpack history, and becomes the first freshman finalist since Bryce Harper in 2010.
For the second year in a row, the GSA will be awarded live on MLB Network. On Friday, July 6, the three finalists for the award will visit the MLB Network’s studios for the presentation on The Rundown, which will feature interviews, video highlights and the announcement of the winner. The presentation will also be simulcast live on MLB.com and GoldenSpikesAward.com.
The Holly Springs, N.C. native already took ACC Pitcher and Freshman of the Year honors, still remains in the running for the NCBWA’s Dick Howser Trophy and the College Baseball Foundation’s National Pitcher of the Year award, and secured a place on the Collegiate Baseball/Louisville Slugger First Team All-American.
With six strikeouts in his last outing, Rodon’s total for the year grew to 132 for fourth in NC State single-season history, 15 behind the single-season record, but 47 more than the previous NC State freshman record. After taking a no decision against Vanderbilt, Rodon’s record held at 9-0, leaving him as one of two undefeated pitchers in the nation with nine or more wins.
On May 29, the Golden Spikes Award candidates were trimmed to 30 semifinalists and fan voting began. NC State fans came out in droves, registering more than 20,000 votes to vault Rodon into the finalist conversation. Fans will once again be able to vote for their favorite finalist by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com. Voting ends at 5 p.m. ET on Friday, June 15.
Rodon joins Florida catcher Mike Zunino and Stanford pitcher Mark Appel as 2012 Golden Spikes Award finalists.