MARSHALL, Minn. - The Southwest Minnesota State baseball team announced its 2009 fall awards on Tuesday.  The players following the conclusion of fall practice voted on the awards.

Senior third baseman Matt Bauer (Tracy, Minn.) was voted as the team most valuable position player, while junior left-hander Curtis Smith (Calgary, Alberta) was named the team's most valuable pitcher. 

Bauer was also named the team's best offensive player, while sophomore second baseman Adam Thygesen (Red Wing, Minn.) was named the squad's best defensive player.

Catcher Jordan Kontz (Adrian, Minn.) was selected as the team's best freshman position player, while Dylan Shoemaker (Sioux City, Iowa) was named the team's best freshman pitcher.

The final awards were handed out to sophomore outfielder Josh Wendland (Hutchinson, Minn.), who was named the most improved position player and redshirt freshman Alex Alvarez, who was named the team's most improved pitcher.

Mustang Baseball 2009 Fall Award Winners:
Most Valuable Position Player: Matt Bauer
Most Valuable Pitcher: Curtis Smith
Best Offense: Matt Bauer
Best Defense: Adam Thygesen
Most Improved Player: Josh Wendland
Most Improved Pitcher: Alex Alvarez
Best Freshman Player: Jordan Kontz
Best Freshman Pitcher: Dylan Shoemaker