Release courtesy of the Saginaw Valley State University Sports Information Department
UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Saginaw Valley State University baseball starting pitcher Mike Saunders (Mt. Morris, Mich./EA Johnson) was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in Round 24 (No. 742 Overall) of the 2012 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft on June 6.
Saunders recently had tryouts last week with both the Reds on May
31st and the Detroit Tigers on June 2nd.
"I was so excited and didn't know what to say," said Saunders when he heard his name announced on the MLB Draft conference call. "I just stood there speechless as I hugged my family and girlfriend."
Saunders set a Saginaw Valley baseball record for lowest earned run average in a single season with a 1.23 ERA in 73.1 innings of work. He went 7-2 in 10 starts with eight complete games as opponents hit just .188 against him. Saunders ERA was the lowest in the conference and finished second in all of Division II. He also tallied 72 strikeouts this season, the third best total in the conference.
The highlight of Saunders' campaign was a 2-0 victory over Grand Valley State where he threw a complete game, four-hit shutout with ten strikeouts. He outdueled the Lakers ace, Kyle Schepel.
Saunders was selected to the 2012 GLIAC Baseball All-Conference First Team as well as to the GLIAC Baseball All-Tournament Team after he threw a complete game, five-hit shutout allowing just one unearned run while striking out seven to eliminate Ashland.
"I have worked so hard for this day and cannot wait to show my talent and represent Saginaw Valley in the big leagues," commented Saunders.