Dakota Hudson Named Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist

Mississippi State junior Dakota Hudson has been named as one of 25 semifinalists for the Golden Spikes Award, USA Baseball announced  Wednesday.

The announcement is the latest recognition for Hudson, who was also named to All-SEC First Team.

For the season, Hudson posted a 2.35 ERA, good for third in the SEC, and he posted 107 strikeouts (also good for third in the SEC) in 103 2/3 innings pitched.  Hudson's nine victories this season were the most a season by a Bulldog pitcher since 2013 when Chad Girodo went 9-1 and Ross Mitchell posted a 13-0 record.

Should Hudson win the award, he would be the second Bulldog to do so.  Mississippi State's Will Clark captured the award, given to the top amateur baseball player in the nation, in 1985.

Fans will have the opportunity to vote for Hudson for 39th annual Golden Spikes award by visiting GoldenSpikesAward.com. As part of the selection process, voters will be asked to choose three players from the list of 25 candidates. Voting closes Wednesday, June 8. The award will be presented June 30 in Los Angeles, where finalist and their families will be honored at the Jonathan Club downtown.

The SEC Champion Bulldogs return to action Friday at 1:30pm against Southeastern Missouri State in the opening game of the Starkville Regional.