SEWELL, NJ - Northampton sophomore Austin Beard (Lebanon, PA/Cedar Crest) has been named the NJCAA Region 19 Pitcher of the Year in a vote conducted by league coaches. Beard, a 6-3 right-hander, is currently 9-1 as the Spartans (45-8) prep for the Region 19 Final Four.

Entering the Region 19 Final Four this weekend, Beard is tied for 3rd nationally with 9 wins, and is 6th in strikeouts with 93.  Beard has thrown 62.0 innings, allowing 52 hits, walking 23 and striking out 93 with an ERA of 3.05.

Beard owns victories over two of the nations top four teams, defeating #1 RCSJ-Gloucester and #4 Brookdale, recording double-digit strikeouts in both wins.