Xavier baseball stars Daniel Rizzie, Andre Jernigan selected in MLB draft

As Major League Baseball's June draft continued today, so did Xavier's streak of having players selected. With Daniel Rizzie's selection in the 13th round, Xavier has now had players taken in each of the last three drafts and 10 of the last 12. Coach Scott Googins has overseen 12 players who have been selected in the draft during his time at Xavier.

Catcher Daniel Rizzie was selected by the New York Mets with their 13th-round pick. He was a First-Team All Big-East selection in the 2016 season and was three times placed on the watch list for the Johnny Bench Award for the nation's best catcher. After missing most of last season with a hand injury, Rizzie came back strong as a senior, with his efforts culminating in winning the Big East Tournament MOP and helping lead Xavier to the final day of the NCAA regional in Nashville. An excellent defensive catcher, Rizzie threw out 58% of attempted base stealers in his career.

Hot on his heels was Andre Jernigan, Xavier's star shortstop. Jernigan was selected in the 14th round by the Minnesota Twins. Jernigan was named a Louisville Slugger All-American and Big East Player of the Year this year largely on the strength of his bat. He led the Muskies in doubles, triples, and homers, leading the entire conference in the final category with 14 bombs. He was also a solid presence in the field, helping lead a defense that tied a school record for fielding percentage and ranked 31st in the nation in double plays turned.

With these selections, Xavier has had multiple players selected in the same draft for the first time since 2008.