Garcia is hitting .355 this season with a team-leading three home runs and 14 RBI. Behind the plate, Garcia has thrown out six of nine would-be base stealers for a 60 percent clip.
The Bench Award watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists, whom will be announced May 16, 2013. Ballots will be sent to the national voting panel at the end of May for a vote to determine the three finalists. The finalists will be announced June 4, 2013. A final vote among the national committee will occur during the College World Series. All finalists will be brought to Wichita and the winner will be announced at the 15th Annual Greater Wichita Sports Banquet on June 27, 2013. The Bench Award is named after Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench.
Garcia and the Panthers return to the diamond Tuesday to open a two-game series with South Florida at the FIU Baseball Stadium. First pitch for Tuesday's game is at 6 p.m. Wednesday's series finale begins at 3 p.m. You can catch all FIU home baseball games on PantherVision here on FIUSports.com.