There's a name for what Tyler Crawford does - actually, there are three.
Longman. Swingman. And, probably the most accurate, stuntman.
As the Arizona Wildcats' emergency starting pitcher and resident long reliever, Crawford must be ready to pitch at a moment's notice.
His job description changes by the outing: Sometimes, UA coaches will ask Crawford - a freshman left-hander - to eat innings during blowout wins or big losses. He's periodically asked to get one batter, typically another lefty, out.
And, occasionally, Crawford gets to put games away.
Crawford earned a rare four-inning save in Sunday's 7-4 win over Cal, surrendering just one hit. In his last three outings, the lefty has worked nine innings, has won a game and has earned a save - all without allowing a run.
The lefty is expected to relieve starter Mat Troupe tonight, when Arizona (33-15) takes on rival Arizona State in Tempe. The game does not count toward the Pac-12 standings.
Here's everything you need to know about the Wildcats' freshman stuntman:
Full name: Bryce Tyler Crawford
Age: 19
Hometown (high school): Glendale (Peoria Sunrise Mountain)
Major: Undecided, but Crawford plans to eventually major in sports management.
2012 stats: In nine appearances, two of them starts, Crawford is 1-1 with a 2.88 ERA. He has struck out nine batters and has walked two.
Scouting report: Crawford throws a mid-80s fastball, a slow curveball and an even slower changeup. Though he's one of the UA's softer tossers, Crawford hits his locations.
"He just kind of thumbs it up there," coach Andy Lopez said. "He picks his spots. He attacks the weaknesses of every hitter. He's done a marvelous job."
Favorite pitch: Changeup. "I think its a good equalizer," Crawford said. "I like to throw it the same as my fastball, then take a little off it. It's gotten a lot of outs for me."
Must improve on: Velocity. "Eventually," he said. "Right now, though, it's been working out OK for me."
Jersey number: 30. Crawford was assigned the number randomly when he arrived on campus last fall. Before that, he wore No. 17 as a tribute to Rockies first baseman Todd Helton. Crawford lived in Colorado for two years as a kid.
Chose Arizona because: It's in his blood. Crawford's uncle, Menno Wickey, played outfield at the UA from 1992 to 1995. Wickey later served as Crawford's high school coach.
Visitor to Tempe: Crawford started on the mound when Arizona traveled to Tempe last month. Though he feared the worst from ASU's crowd, Crawford said he relished being the bad guy. "I liked to hear the boos and stuff."
Best part of college: Traveling with the team. "I really liked Seattle," he said. "I liked walking around in the city. I got to see the water, which I don't get to see very much of."
Favorite place in Tucson: Eegees. Crawford is addicted to the sandwich and slushie stop, a Tucson institution.
"Usually, I'll try the flavor of the month," he said. "If it's not something I like, man, I'm switching to strawberry."
Today
• What: Arizona at Arizona State
• Where: Packard Stadium, Tempe
• When: 6:30 p.m.
• Radio: 1290-AM
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