Baseball writers name Flores preseason 1st-team All-American, 2 others on 2nd

AUSTIN (KXAN) — College baseball writers think Texas junior Jalin Flores is one of the best shortstops in the country.

The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association released its preseason all-America selections Friday and Flores was the first-team pick. He smacked 18 home runs with 158 total bases last season to help lead the Longhorns to the NCAA tournament, hitting .340 with 22 doubles and 56 RBIs along the way.

The NCBWA named Flores a second-team all-American at the end of last season.

Outfielder Max Belyeu and pitcher Rugar Riojas were named to the second team. Belyeu was named a preseason first-team all-Southeastern Conference selection this season.

Rojas transferred from UTSA in the offseason and earned 10 wins in relief for the Roadrunners last season. He made 26 appearances with 75 strikeouts, a 3.25 ERA and seven saves.

Texas begins the season Feb. 14 against Louisville at the Shriners Children's College Showdown at Globe Life Field in Arlington.