Two members of the Iowa baseball team have received preseason recognition.

Starting pitcher Jarred Hippen was named College Baseball Daily’s Preseason Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, and closer Kevin Lee was named to the watch list for the annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award — giving to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division-I baseball.

Hippen started 15 games in 2010 and earned second-team All-Big Ten honors. The junior finished 6-4 with a team-best 3.71 ERA in 991⁄3 innings pitched. The southpaw also threw a Big Ten-best four complete games in conference play.

Lee recorded a school-record 13 saves last year while appearing in 21 games. The senior righty also posted two wins and a 5.75 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 201⁄3 innings. Lee came out of the ninth with a win in every save opportunity he was given.

The Hawkeyes will open their season at the Big East/Big Ten Challenge on Feb. 18-20 in Tampa, Fla.

— by J.T. Bugos