By The Associated Press

JACKSON — Two of the best pitchers in the country and two of the top hitters will vie for the honor of being named the best player in Mississippi.

Southern Miss pitcher James McMahon and Ole Miss pitcher Scott Weathersby are among five finalists for the Ferriss Trophy, the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum announced Monday.

The award, which is presented by C Spire, is given annually to the state’s top college baseball player. Mississippi State first baseman Wes Rea, Jackson State infielder Melvin Rodriguez and Millsaps pitcher/infielder Keith Shumaker are the other finalists.

McMahon has a 10-1 record this season with a 1.73 ERA for the Golden Eagles. He allowed one hit in six innings Sunday in a win against Charlotte to run his current scoreless streak to 14 2/3 innings.

McMahon has been named the Conference USA pitcher of the week twice this season, and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association pitcher of the week once.

Weathersby is 4-1 with a 2.39 ERA and three saves for the Rebels while splitting time between the starting rotation and the bullpen.

Rodriguez ranks second in the NCAA with a .438 batting average.

Rea, a fifth-year senior, has made just one error in 27 Southeastern Conference games this season. He’s hitting .315 with 20 RBIs.

Shumaker was selected as the Southern Athletic Association Player of the Year for the second time as he led Millsaps to the NCAA Division III tournament.

Shumaker hit .417, led the conference with 48 runs scored and 23 walks, and set Millsaps’ career record for hits. On the mound, he was 8-1 with a 2.31 ERA.

The Ferriss Trophy winner will be announced May 18 at the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame.

Professional scouts and college coaches chose the five finalists and will vote again this week for the winner. They will comprise 90 percent of the final vote. Fan voting, conducted by C Spire, will account for the other 10 percent. Fan voting begins today and will conclude Sunday at noon. Voting will be done at www.csopavoting.com.

Ole Miss outfielder Auston Bousfield won the Ferriss Trophy last year.