Winthrop University Athletics

2010:  Entered his sophomore season tabbed as a Second Team Preseason All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). Was later recognized on the NCBWA Preseason Stopper of the Year Watch List. It was the second time is his career to be recognized on the list, as he was also placed on the Stopper of the Year Watch List as a freshman. Is currently tied with Aaron Sundsmo as the school’s all-time career saves leader with 20. Compiled a 4-3 record on the mound last season with a team-best 3.86 ERA in 23 appearances (third on the team) with two starts. Pitched in 49.0 innings, which was fourth-highest on the team. Made first collegiate start on May 22 against Liberty, in which he picked up the win throwing 3.0 innings and allowed one run (none earned) on just one hit, no walks and one strikeout. Also started against VMI on May 27 during the Big South Tournament pitching a career-high 5.2 innings en route to the 11-6 victory. Gave up two runs on seven hits against the Keydets and did not allow a walk to go with three strikeouts. Struck out a career-high eight batters in 4.2 innings pitched on Apr. 16 in extra-inning win at UNC Asheville. Finished the season third on the team with 50 strikeouts, and also surrendered 25 runs (21 earned) on 54 hits, 21 walks and an opponent batting average of .278. Finished the season tied for fourth in the Big South in saves with six. Had a six strikeout performance against Presbyterian on May 2, and posted back-to-back five strikeout appearances against Penn State on Mar. 20 and High Point on Mar. 27. Earned first save of the season in 10-9 win over Marist on Feb. 22. Also earned saves against Wagner, Canisius, Radford, VMI and Gardner-Webb during Big South Tournament play-in game. Recorded two at-bats as well last season, against Penn State on Mar. 20 and Radford on Apr. 25, going 0-for-2 at the plate. 

2009:  Set school record for saves in a season (14), breaking the mark previously set by Sundsmo in 1999. Was named Second Team All-Big South, and received national recognition as a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American and selected to the Third Team All-Ping! Freshman Team. Posted a 2-4 record with a 3.77 ERA in a team-high 30 appearances. Pitched 45.1 innings allowing 24 runs (19 earned) on 44 hits, 19 walks and 42 strikeouts. Collected his first collegiate save in a 4-3 win against High Point on Mar. 6. Picked up the save in Winthrop’s first-ever victory against Southern Cal on Mar. 13. Opponents hit just .251 off of him last season.  

High School:  Broke school record for ERA in a career and a single season. Named All-Fairchester League in 2006, 2007 and 2008 as well as receiving the MVP Award in 2008. Also received the Athlete of the Year Award in 2008 and was named Athlete of the Week in 2007 and 2008. Was a Who’s Who Among American High School Students.  

Personal:  The son of Scott and Sandra Mizenko, Tyler is a Mass Communication major who enjoys running, lifting weights and hanging out with friends and family, and plans on playing professional baseball after graduation. His favorite foods are steak, chicken and vegetables, and Johnathan Papelbon is his favorite athlete.